Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr is now calling on the relevant authorities to seriously remove settlements in the city as they are creating a lot of problems in the city.
“I am calling the Lae District and Morobe Provincial Government to seriously think of removing illegal settlements,” Supt Wagambie Jr said.
Supt Wagambie Jr said this following a fight between Southern Highlanders and Engans resulting in four houses burnt down and food gardens destroyed at Banana block at 7th street on the day of the country’s 41st independence celebrations.
“They are creating unnecessary problems within the city. We must stop entertaining settlements if they cannot live harmoniously, they must be removed and allow other developments to take place on the land,” Supt Wagambie Jr said.
It is alleged that an escapee had started the initial fight which now had involved the two ethnic groups.
He said the fight is between two illegal squatter groups and has been an ongoing problem.
“They are illegal squatters and this is not the first time they have been causing nuisance in the area,” said Wagambie Jr.
He said residents of 7th street, Cassowary Road and China Town have been feeling the brunt of this with too much discomfort to their daily activities.
Police have been monitoring the situation patrolling in and out of the area.
Meanwhile Supt Wagambie said the Independence celebrations at Sir Ignatius Kilage was witnessed in the true spirit of Papua New Guinea with many residents enjoying the celebrations.
He commended the general public for their behaviour at the event
However, he said Police imposed a zero tolerance on drunkards on that day where 30 were detained for drunk and disorderly in public place.