Caption: Paga Hill project taking shape.
By MATTHEW VARI
WITH the date for the 2018 APEC Summit slowly encroaching
preparation for it, in terms of infrastructure projects like the controversial
Paga Hill ring road project will go on ahead despite issue associated with
settlers.
He said that the issue was more a less a blame game going
between three parties Paga Hill Holdings Limited, Curtain Brothers who are the
contractor, and NCDC.
“What I can say is that the road will go ahead- it has to be
completed, and the contractor has to do what is necessary in order to complete
the project,” NCD Governor Powes Parkop reaffirmed.
“To remove the settlers they have the authority to do that or
course, and it has to be in compliance with the law, but we have of factored
into the cost for the relocation for the settlers.”
“So in terms of the settlers, some who were not in the road
corridor but were in other parts all owned by Paga Hill Holdings- the company has
secured them land at 6 Mile with the resettlement process going on.”
He said that the commission was partnering with Paga Hill
Holdings to make sure that people are to be resettled and given the capacity to
rebuild their lives with limited stress and discomfort as much as possible.
“Those who were in the corridor who were along the coast,
including the Adventist Church – we have secured land at Gerehu Stage 7 and
those agreed to relocate have been given allotments and 47 settlers have agreed
to move to Gerehu,” Parkop said.
“There are some that despite the law and everything else they
want to remain there.”
“Those that are on land that is owned by Paga hill Holdings-
it is up to the company to sort them out and we will support Pagahlll holdings
if they agree to settle to six mile.”
The governor said whatever actions they take will not hold as
they do not have the legal right to stay there.
“The road is critical for traffic management in the downtown
area- relieving traffic out of wharf front- secondly it is designed to prepare
for the 2018 APEC Summit, but I cannot revealed how this will fit into the
equation because there are some security issue that need to be taken into
consideration, but the downtown area coming to Paga Hill will be the major area
where the summit activities will evolve around in 2018,” he explained.
“Leaders of the world are coming and we need to take security
very seriously so that road has to be built.”
“In terms of front page in the National yesterday (Thursday 24)
I have not been advised if it is Curtain Brother or Pagahill holding.”
He concluded that the more they (settlers) delayed the
project by going to court it would only be temporary to disrupt the project.
“They might delay and frustrate it for a few day, weeks, or
months, but ultimately they will be relocated.”
“The faster they come to terms with this the better it is for
them and everyone,” he said.
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