Get rid of settlements

MUCH has been said about the ever increasing illegal settlement issues in the nation’s capital.
Various governments have lost control over the issue.
It is a time bomb.
If not controlled or managed properly, Port Moresby will become a cowboy or wild west city.
For too long the Government has given little attention to this emerging issue which is already causing negative effects and affecting development.
Illegal settlements are mushrooming everywhere with the city surrounded with unplanned settlements, portraying a bad image of the city to visitors.
Not long, all under developed land in NCD will be taken up by illegal settlers with no room for genuine investors and developers.
There seem to be a lack of political will to solve this issue.
Most of the law and order issues are cultivated in the settlements.
Leaders should be brave enough to make tough decisions for the good of the country and the city.
It may be unpopular with the settlers.
Visionary leaders have to make important but politically unpopular decisions and history will judge them.
In recent years, it has been noted that our NCD leaders seem to politicise the settlement issue.
Stop being narrow-minded and think big.
You are national leaders and should be supporting national interests.
Stop encouraging illegal settlements.
There should be clear guidelines and criteria in place to convert settlements into suburbs.
It should be done in a planned and coordinated way.
Leaders should not pass the cost onto genuine developers to resettle the illegal settlers just to please them.
The governor suggested that developers should resettle illegal setters (The National, March 9).
Are we promoting investment or illegal settlements?
Genuine developers should not be held for ransom by illegal settlers under the tag “human rights”, “our people” etc. The governor is doing well in many other areas.
Under his leadership, Port Moresby has developed into a modern city and everybody is proud of that.
But most law abiding citizens in the city do not agree with your approach towards settlement issue.
Eviction should be the only way after notices have been served.
Deterrence mechanisms should be put in place.

Ultange Wane,
Savannah Heights, Waigani