Displaced families receive land titles after 30 years

About 199 families displaced by the 1994 Rabaul volcano eruption received land titles from Prime Minister James Marape nearly after 30 years.

Marape handed the titles to mark the 30th anniversary of the significant and somber event that occurred approximately three decades ago in Papua New Guinea’s history.

The families who originate from the Sikut Talvat area of Rabaul were relocated to Gelegele in Kokopo after the volcanic explosions.

Gelegele has since become their second home as a place of refuge and renewal after the devastation of the 1994 eruptions.

PM Marape said other resettlement areas will also receive similar support in the near future.

“The 199 land titles we are now issuing is the start of more to follow. We will ensure all families have a land title through a proper government process so the land can be security for our people,” Marape said.

In recognition of the 30th anniversary, the National Executive Council [NEC] has lifted the long-standing moratorium on Rabaul Town and its surrounding areas.

The moratorium had been in place since the twin volcanic eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan, had left Rabaul and its environs in a state of limbo.

Marape said the government would aim to revive business growth and encourage development in the region with the removal of moratorium.

The volcanic epidemic left over 100,000 people homeless as Rabaul faced devastation in that period.

However, the town is slowly beginning to rise from its ashes with renewed government support.