Landowner offers solution to NCDC settlement issue

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
The local Moiah clan has provided all its customary land to National Capital District Commission to be developed into suburbs.
Clan landowner Manga Kauka said the land was at the fringe of the city, bordering Jackson International Airport, and was prone to land grabbing from illegal settlers and fraudsters.
“I will now work with National Capital District Commission to develop my land,” he said.
“I tried to manage my land but pressure from the city’s expansion and over population has resulted in the encroachment of my land by illegal settlers.
“To avoid unnecessary conflict in order to have a win-win situation, I will work with NCDC now.
“I will now hand over my land to NCDC to be developed into a suburb so that everyone including the Government, landowners and the city residents will benefit from my land.”
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said that the clan’s decision would help him push his vision to transform settlements into suburbs.
“I’m happy for a landowner to approach me to partner in the city’s development,” he said.
“This event is a rare occasion and is a milestone.
“Many times, landowners in PNG they want to get benefits like royalties, compensation, etc before development comes in.
“We must thank Kauka for his initiative to partner with NCDC to develop the city.
“That is a big commitment and I’m happy.
“This is my dream as governor to end settlements.
“My dream for our future is to covert settlements into suburbs.”
Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa also attended the event at Dogura.