ATS Eviction

The PNGTUC Assistant General Secretary, Anton P Sekum said in 1968, in response to the rapid increase in the urban population and settlement formation, the National Housing Commission (NHC) was set up by Australian administration following a recommendation by the World Bank.

“In 1974, the NHC was given the responsibility for implementing a self-help-scheme which included recognizing existing settlements as part of urban activity that needed improvement, upgrading of settlements on a self-help-basis and developing new settlements in conjunction with employment opportunities.

Mr Kaupa and Pangu Party General Secretary, Morris Tovebae met with residents of Portion 695 of ATS settlement, who are currently being evicted by a company that now owns the land. 

When addressing those gathered, Mr Kaupa said he had met with the Lands Minister to discuss the matter and said the deadline for all residents to move out was by next week Sunday.

He also clarified to settlers that there was a Supreme Court order in place so any move made by him or his office to stop the eviction will be seen as a Contempt of Court.

A resident told Loop PNG this morning that work has continued and residents have started dismantling their homes and moving their belongings to others areas.

“We have until next week Friday to vacate the land so we are breaking down our homes and moving our cargo out. The company carrying out the eviction has provided 3 trucks for all residents to use to move all over belongings to our new homes, so that is a big help for us,” he said.

“The police have also been very respectful towards us and are making sure everything goes smoothly,’ he added.