By MATTHEW VARI
Sunday, August 21, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has called on all developers both foreign and domestic to have respect for citizens in the country when undertaking development in land that contains settlements in the nation’s urban centers.
His comments were made when commenting on the actions of a developer using the police that resulted in the death of a person when conducting an eviction exercise in the nation’s capital, last week in Moresby North-East.
“I understand in this particular instance that there was a developer who was trying to take possession of the land,” the prime minister said.
“We welcome the development of some of these, of course, large parcels of land for the benefit of our citizens, but as well as that they must respect that they have a community obligation.”
“People are already living in those lands, especially if it’s a large block of land- I am sure they can work out an arrangement with the settlers so that they are treated well and properly as they truly deserve.”
O’Neill pointed out settlers existence on portions in concern having lived for decades on the land.
“You do not expect them to pack up one morning. Where are they going to go? Our people need more respect, and the developers have an obligation to resettle them. If they want them to be moved out and compensated well as well.”
“Compensated for the loss for some of their permanent houses built on this land.”
“I urge all our departments, especially lands department and of course NCDC itself must take full responsibility of our settlers properly before any developer moves in to develop the land in question.”
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