NCDC demolishes Dept of Works fence

Caption:   Twisted, bent segments of the fence lay in tatters.


By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, August 11, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)




THE Department of Works and Implementation, had a newly constructed section of its fence demolished by the National Capital District’s Enforcement Division on orders from the two regulating boards in the city- the Physical Planning Board and the Building Board, last week in Port Moresby.

Works had erected fencing around its property without prior approval of their plans from the mentioned authorities, which cumulated in avbackhoe tearing down the metal picket fencing.

NCDC’s Enforcement Division head, Mr Paul Komboi, said they had served two stop work notices by the Building and Physical authorities for the illegal fence being constructed without approval.

“The first notice was served on the 21st of January, 2013, and Building Authority served on the 5th of February 2013.”

“14 working days were given from the notice served, which Works did not comply with,” he said.

A report was compiledand presented to Physical Planning & Building Boards to recommend the demolition notices to be raised.

Demolition notice from Physical Planning Board was served on March 12, 2013, Building Board demolition notice was served on June 17, 2013- despite these notices there was no attempt by the department to submit the fencing plans for approval.

“We have executed the orders following the due process and ample time was given, they did not follow the relevant process and with that development of the fence was deemed illegal,” he added.

Numerous attempts to get comments from the Secretary for Works, David Were, and his Deputies regarding the demolition were unsuccessful, but employees with the department confirmed that warning and ample time was given prior to the demolition exercise.