Work on Tokarara recreational land halted

Work on the rezoning of a controversial recreational reserved land at Tokarara, in Port Moresby, will not continue.

National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop has given his word.

Parkop said the NCD Physical Planning Board has deferred approval for Kumul Training Institute (KTI) to re-zone Section 227, Allotment 100, Hohola (Tokarara) “to allow further community input”.

His swift response followed a letter from former prime minister and Moresby North-West MP, Sir Mekere Morauta, who personally delivered a signed petition on Tuesday (Nov 21) by Tokarara residents against the 150 x 90 metre gazetted public recreational reserve area.

On Monday, Nov 20, Tokarara residents delivered their petition to relevant city authorities and parliamentarians representing seats in NCD, highlighting issues including possible breach and abuse of procedures.

Sir Mekere, who retired from politics in 2012, made a return to public life following immense pressure from friends, supporters and anti-corruption organisations to re-enter National Parliament to help fight corruption and fraud as well as helping to save Papua New Guinea from total economic collapse.

He is widely respected for his commitment to probity and fiscal responsibility within PNG and abroad.

Author: 
Freddy Mou