Repeated crimes, violence led to 2-Mile eviction; governor Parkop intervenes with resettlement for affected families

National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop, says the eviction at Rabiagini 2-Mile in Port Moresby was forced on authorities after repeated failures by the community to renounce crime and violence.

Governor Parkop said he had not commented earlier because he was focused on managing the situation, working with Acting Prime Minister John Rosso and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko, Goilala MP Casmiro Aia, Police authorities and community leaders to manage the situation.

He said the community had been given many opportunities to change, including a full community meeting in 2022, but the problems continued.

“We can’t continue to do the same thing expecting a different outcome. We have to do things differently. It was our plan to undertake an orderly relocation and resettlement but this situation was forced on our hands” he said.

Describing the situation as unfortunate and regrettable, Parkop said many innocent people, especially women and children, were affected by the eviction and many more had been affected by the continuous violence and criminal activities over the years in the area. He acknowledged that some residents were third or fourth generation settlers who would face challenges resetting their lives, but said the NCDC administration was committed to resettling them and had catered for this in its 2025 and now 2026 Provincial budget.

“This situation at 2-Mile has been forced on us,” the governor said. “We had a planned resettlement program which we factored into our budget last year and this year. Last year, the anniversary and other emergencies like the 2-Mile road collapse and the crack at the Hanuabada bypass affected our plans. We were also waiting for subdivision of our land at Ferea. We would have done a planned and smooth relocation and resettlement.”

He said the current situation meant the eviction had to be carried out in this way, adding that the community must accept responsibility rather than passing blame. On his part he has instructed the City Manager Frank Ravu and team to work with the various communities at 2-mile to help resettle and provide basic needs to the displaced communities.

Governor Parkop said authorities would also begin relocating other communities at 2-Mile, mainly Simbu, Eastern Highlands and some Southern Highlands groups, as part of an orderly and planned relocation and resettlement process as early as tomorrow Tuesday 27th January, 2026.

He said funding for the exercise was included in the 2026 NCD budget which was passed and approved this afternoon by the NCDC Board.

Basic support to the affected communities now will be released based on needs assessment.

Governor Parkop said other settlement communities in the city centre had been identified and would be given notice once alternative sites were prepared.

He reiterated that under Physical Planning and Building Board laws, all unauthorised buildings and developments are subject to demolition at any time on appropriate notice.

He said all communities in the capital city had been warned that violence would result in demolition after one or two notices, adding that Eight Mile and Joyce Bay communities had already been warned.