PNG Opposition Leader promises citizens that settlements in the towns and cities will be developed into urban villages

SETTLEMENTS in the country will be developed into urban villages if Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) party wins the mandate to form the next government after the election.

Opposition Leader Hon. Don Pomb Polye said displacing settlers through eviction would be the thing of the past under his THE party-led government.

Mr Polye was speaking at an opening of two of five water supply projects at Lae's Kanda and Asu Talair settlements; they were funded by his candidate and Lae MP Hon. Loujaya Kouza.

He said the eviction of settlements in Lae, Port Moresby and other centers was done to suit foreign business interests.

"Our people's homes and properties have been bulldozed only to serve business interests by selfish leaders. We have had enough of them being refugees in their own country. It must stop now," he said.

He assured the inhabitants of the settlements that his government would shelve a plan to evict them to make way for a fishing project on the land they have been living for ages.

"Our new government will put an end to indigenous citizens being evicted from settlements or called settlers at a place they call a home away from home.

"These places will be mapped out into lots and sections. Basic services like sewage, water and electricity supplies with utilities will be installed for our people to enjoy their life like others," he said.

For instance, he said, land titles will be issued to settlers in Morata, ATS, Sabama and other settlements across the country.
Polye added the government, which he is confident of leading, would like to see fellow citizens own a piece of land and home each.

"Home is where our kids' characters are developed. A better house means better character development for our children," he said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Kouza blasted the Fisheries Minister for the eviction plan to facilitate business interests.

She said her DDA had funded the water supply projects to serve several settlements at a tune of K250,000.

PNG Opposition Leader Hon. Don Polye, Lae MP Hon. Loujaya Kouza and THE party officials posing for a photo with their gifts at Kanda settlement in Lae, Morobe Province. Image: PNG Opposition Media Unit.

Opposition Leader Hon. Don Polye cutting the ribbon for the water supply project at Kanda settlement, Morobe Province. 

Martha Panem putting on a Sepik basket as gift around Polye's neck.

Polye and Kouza opening the water taps at Kanda settlement.

 Sepik community at Kanda welcoming Opposition Leader Don Polye and Lae MP Loujaya Kouza.

Part of the crowd during Don Polye speech at Kanda Settlement in Lae, Morobe Province.