Housing minister responds to eviction query

Minister for Housing John Kaupa has assured parliament he is on top of the issues hitting his department hard; most of which are evictions.

He believes these evictions are being arranged by those with vested interest.

In parliament yesterday – the first sitting for 2018 – Minister Kaupa said a Ministerial statement is due in a couple of weeks on the internal investigations he recently gave directions for, in various parts of the country.

The Minister for Housing was responding to questions raised by Member for Markham, Koni Iguan, regarding serious housing evictions imposed on several families in Lae, Morobe Province.

Minister Kaupa said many of these evictions were carried out because of decisions made by those who once held the management positions.

The Minister has engaged a legal team to intervene.

The most recent administrative response was launching the asset recovery program.

He also assured members of parliament that when the team visits their province, they will be made aware of the NHC assets and can intervene on behalf of their people if irregularities that threaten the wellbeing of home owners arise.

The Minister also warned MPs to expect more eviction issues to pop up, as they slowly bring to light and address housing deals that may have been done outside proper processes.

(Minister for Housing John Kaupa during yesterday’s parliament sitting, the first session for 2018)

Author: 
Salome Vincent