Clock ticking for Bush Wara settlers as eviction is hours away

More than 5000 residents occupying land portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 at 9-Mile, Bush Wara are overcome with mixed emotions, as they are just a few hours away from being evicted tomorrow.

All residents including workers and students stayed home today in a show of a sitting protest staged at the Three-Kona junction to air their concerns.

Women and children cried in fear as youths displayed banners and placards, seeking immediate intervention from the government and donor agencies.

A longtime resident Francis Aure told NBC News that there was no place for them to settle in if the eviction as ordered by the court proceeds tomorrow.

He felt that this was the result of negligence from the government of the day.

"This is our land and where else can we go when we're evicted?" he pleaded.

The Waigani National Court on 12th March 2024, granted leave to Nambawan Super Limited [NSL] to issue Writs of Possession to illegal squatters at Bush Wara.

The court granted a 120-day grace period to voluntarily evacuate the land, which lapsed today.
Rickson Aonde who is also a public servant said some of the occupants were also NSL contributors, and taxpayers who faithfully serve this country.

According to Mr. Aonde, most services in Port Moresby including transport and local food supply at the markets are provided by Bush Wara residents.

"The imminent eviction is a mistake," he said. He was concerned about the children who will find themselves homeless tomorrow once the eviction exercise commences.

An emotional Merilyn Jonathan also shared similar sentiments, questioning the government of its proposed Vision 2050 plans to create a healthy, educated, and better PNG.

"Residents here have taken the lead in developing these barren lands and are providing vital services to the city residents, in line with Vision 2050," she said.

Ms. Jonathan said they will not back down until the government provides them with some solution to settle the dispersed squatters.

She called on Prime Minister James Marape for immediate intervention before the bulldozers move in.
The community believes they as indigenous Papua New Guineans have been treated like foreigners on their own land.

Making reference to the statement released by the Prime Minister on Sunday saying government is looking at several options to settle evicted settlers, "what is the outcome of this?” Ms. Jonathan asked.

Moreover, a concerned student Timson John genuinely requested NSL to reconsider its decision as it may have an implication on those grades 8, 10 and 12 students preparing for upcoming national examinations.

The aggravated settlers are hopeful the government or United Nations and other relevant humanitarian groups will come to their aid within the remaining hours.

Meantime, police vehicles and machinery were sighted at the NSL office at Bush Wara, all geared up for the eviction tomorrow.