Preserve land: Kaupa

By JEFFREY ELAPA
THE indigenous landowners of Port Moresby have been urged not to sell their land but preserve it for their future generations as it was becoming scarce.
Moresby North-East MP and Minister for Housing and Urbanisation John Kaupa,called on Motu-Koitabu landowners to reserve some land for their children as customary land continues to be sold for quick money.
The minister acknowledged the contribution of the Motu-Koitabu people by giving up their land to the state for the development of the nation’s capital. Kaupa said he was not stopping the landowners from selling some of their land, but some portions should be considered for their children so that they were not left landless when the population grew.
He said land in Port Moresby was being gradually used up for development purposes and developments taking place on customary was a clear indication that landowners were selling without considering the future.
“It will be very difficult to get the land back when it is sold, so think well and think of the future of your children,” Kapua said.
He told Korobosea Motu-Koitabu landowners that most of their land had been taken up by the city’s development and what remained should be used wisely.