Residents outraged over eviction

By Mortimer Yangharry
Residents of Erima and Wildlife, in the National Capital District, say they have not been given enough notice or properly compensated before being evicted by the National Capital District Commission.
Simon Bosco, from Jiwaka, has been living in the area for more than three years and said NCDC failed to relocate them before carrying out the eviction.
“We are human beings and we should not be kicked around like soccer balls,” he said.
“Proper relocation processes must be carried out before doing eviction. NCDC should have done awareness and planning a long time ago instead of just coming with armed policemen and forcing people out.”
Brandy Kelt, from Western Highlands, said he had no place to go with his family.
“Relatives in Port Moresby won’t be happy to look after me and my family for more than a day. I have two children who go to school. What will happen to them?”
Kelt blamed NCDC for carrying the eviction prematurely and not thinking about the welfare and safety of the residents.
Docta Bean, from Kompiam, Enga, said he started his poultry project two weeks ago and the relocation would affect his small business.
“There was no awareness carried out and we were surprised when the NCDC officials and armed policemen came to force us out of our homes. They warned us to leave immediately,” Bean said.
He said many school children would be affected because they were well into the academic year and parents would find it difficult to settle down elsewhere as they had no place to go.
When The National visited Erima and Wildlife, it was evident that houses and trades stores were identified to be immediately moved from the area to make way for a flyover project.
The new K160 million Kookaburra Flyover  will be the first of its kind for the country that will comprise  a 600m long four-lane concrete flyover on a  just under 2.5km four-lane road from Jackson International Airport roundabout connecting  the Sir John Guise/Parliament Road Roundabout.
Acting city manager Leslie Alu said people living illegally  along the Kookaburra area were already removed as work was progressing.
The project was scheduled to be completed before the 2015 Pacific Games.