Justin Tkatchenko

The ultimate prize in international rugby was welcomed at Kaugere by Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, together with local rugby league club representatives, students and the public.

Tkatchenko thanked Oil Search for the great initiative in bringing the Trophy down to the grass roots level, and also commended the government and all stakeholders that were involved in bringing the Rugby League World Cup 2017 to PNG.

Upon receiving the titles from the Lands Minister, West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel, admitted that it has been a challenge in acquiring land titles for public institutions.  

As part of Minister Tkatchenko’s priority to make land for public or institutional purposes safe, he has signed off on four land titles securing the land portion in which a brand new Caritas Girls Technical School is being built in West New Britain Province

This was stated by the Minister for Lands & Physical Planning and member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, during his official parade visit to the electorate yesterday at the Badili Police Station.

Speaking to the families of police officers and the people of Moresby South, he assured them that as of last week, the NCD Governor and he have set up the NCD Land unit and that this week, the department will be looking at transforming settlements into suburbs.

This is to support police operations in the Moresby South electorate, including programs and activities through the police stations and their commands.

Minister for Lands and Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, said this during the joint police station parade at Badili police station on Wednesday morning.

“The funds will help as well to enhance the community policing project that has been going on for the last five years in the markets, public places and suburban areas of Moresby South,” he said.

Lands and Physical Planning Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, announced this recently, stating there are some SABLs that work quite well.

The Minister says this is only the tip of the iceberg and SABL has been a major issue for the people of Papua New Guinea in terms of customary land grabbing.

The newly set up Customary Land Advisory Committee will be responsible for the issuing of licenses to do business on customary land and SABLs given out illegally will be dealt with accordingly and done away with.

A call by the Lands Minister to rightly make the inquiry into the ‘Manumanu Land Deal’ a priority has been welcomed by Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) along with the advice that the Department of Lands and Physical has already provided information to the delayed Administrative Inquiry. 

He said this during the presentation of the Moresby South writ to Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato.

Tkatchenko said he is confident the People’s National Congress will be the major coalition partner to form government. And when that happens, he will push for the Prime Minister to seriously look into improving the electoral process for 2022.

He said serious improvements needed to be made to allow for the smooth flow of elections.

Returning Officer Michael Are presented the writ to Gamato this morning in the presence of declared and returning MP, Justin Tkatchenko.

Gamato commended Are and his officials for ensuring that counting took place and concluded quickly.

He also urge other returning officers around the country to do the same.

Gamato also congratulated Tkatchenko, saying the people of Moresby have unanimously voted to keep him as their representative.

Returning Officer Michael Are announced Tkatchenko as the returning Moresby South MP at 3.45pm today.

Flanked by incumbent NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Tkatchenko signed the official writ for the seat confirming his victory.

It was a landslide win for Tkatchenko who, according to the final results, polled 19,983 votes, surpassing the absolute majority needed, which is 19,643.

In second place was Samson Kirilyo who polled 5,735 followed by Anna Skate, who polled 4,448 votes.

Returning officer Michael Are announced the suspension after all ballot papers cast for Justin Tkatchenko had been checked.

He said scrutineers were satisfied after initially raising issue to have the ballot papers checked again.

The final results are being tallied and will be released.

Justin Tkatchenko will be declared this afternoon as the returning Moresby South MP.

He will be accompanied by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

Currently present at the venue is NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi and NCD Election Manager, Alwyn Jimmy.