NBC gives illegal squatters 21 days to vacate property

The National Broadcasting Corporation [NBC] has given illegal squatters residing behind the 5 Mile headquarters in Port Moresby 21 days to leave the property or face eviction by police.

Managing Director Kora Nou made the announcement today following an alleged attack on the son of a senior NBC staff member over the weekend. The victim was taken to hospital and the family has reported the matter to police.

Mr Nou said NBC has started discussions with the Metropolitan Superintendent, and police officers will begin awareness with the squatters so they can voluntarily move out within the next 21 days.

“Failure to do so will result in NBC requesting the Courts and police to evict them.”
Mr Nou said

He also called on the squatters to identify those responsible for the attack and hand them over to police for investigation.

“May I remind everyone that the officers of the NBC throughout the country provide
an essential service to our people every day, on weekends, and public holidays.

“These officers and their families do not deserve such unprovoked physical attacks
or daily intimidation as they carry out their work, especially within the confines of our
institutional housing premises.

“Harassment, physical attacks and unruly drunken behaviour in the vicinity of our 5
Mile staff residences have also increased since more illegal settlers have moved in
from eviction exercises in other parts of Port Moresby.

“We will work with the Courts, the police, and NCDC to immediately stop this, as well
we remove the illegal squatters already there,” Mr Nou

Mr Nou said the eviction is also part of NBC's plans to develop the land. Funding has already been secured to build 38 new staff houses at the 5 Mile site, with construction expected to begin once a building permit is issued.

He said the land currently occupied by the illegal squatters is needed for the new housing project.