Evictions creating more problems

LAST year, many settlers were evicted from settlements in Lae, Morobe, and the National Capital District.
Many of those who were evicted work in the public and private sectors.
A good number of those evicted have low-paying jobs.
Caught in the middle are students who are now an added burden to their families as a result of loss of homes and the need to relocate.
Some might miss school because they do not have anywhere to stay.
Relocation could mean added costs, loss of jobs and decline in productivity for those affected.
Many of the displaced will have to be taken in by friends and relatives and this means added costs and disruptions to family routines, which in turn adds stress in many homes.
Social disorder, which the authorities are trying to curb, will be on the rise, stretching out the police’s ability to maintain law and order.
We are already witnessing ethnic tensions and clashes flaring up in parts of Port Moresby.
The police force is quick to ensure eviction exercises are carried out successfully.
They probably enjoy the drama that follows with families weeping and wailing as homes are smashed to pieces.
We hope the police hierarchy plans smart because we are in an election year, especially when police manpower is stretched to its limits and many displaced and traumatised people are now looking for places to settle.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop’s plan of resettling the displaced has now been thrown into confusion.
We hope those pushing for blanket evictions realise the stress being exerted on the police and the humanitarian disaster being created by State agencies in pursuing such agendas.
Authorising such mass evictions is a mistake by the authorities.
The displaced will not disappear into thin air, they will be around in this city.
What about the homes that were taken down? Where will those who were evicted go?

Missinga