Nine-Mile eviction victims seek justice during Minister’s visit

Families evicted from Portion 11, 55 & 56 at 9 Mile have called for an investigation into the ownership of the land, saying they have lived on the property for more than four decades.

The call was made during a visit by newly appointed Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Member for Port Moresby North East, Hon. John Kaupa.

He also delivered food rations to the displaced families and assured them of his support.

Minister Kaupa acknowledged the hardship faced by the affected residents but said the eviction was carried out under a lawful court order that must be respected.

“It is too late for anything now. We are all under the law and must follow the court order,” he said.

The Minister assured the families that his office would work towards resettling them on newly titled land and encouraged people living in settlements on State land across Port Moresby North-East to visit his electorate office for assistance in securing legal land titles in the future.

Community representative Ruth Kumun said the affected families have lived on the land for more than 40 years and are demanding transparency over how the land titles were obtained.

She called on Minister Kaupa to support the community by pushing for an investigation into the land acquisition process.

Ms. Kumun also alleged that residents were not served with eviction notices and were not given adequate time to relocate before the eviction was carried out.

She claimed the eviction was conducted swiftly, leaving many families without enough time to remove their belongings or make alternative living arrangements.

The affected residents are now appealing to the Government and relevant authorities to investigate their concerns while also seeking assistance to rebuild their lives following the eviction.