THE National Capital District Commission’s (NCDC) primary approach is to upgrade settlements into formal suburbs, rather than displace residents, according to Governor Powes Parkop.
“This process involves detailed surveys, subdivisions and infrastructure upgrades, with residents required to cooperate to ensure orderly development,” Parkop said.
“The Nine-Mile Quarry project is a successful example, with similar work being extended to parts of the Eight-Mile settlement.”
But Parkop said that those on State or private land in the city would need to be resettled to allow for planned city development.
Such resettlements would only take place after alternative sites have been prepared, surveyed and subdivided to receive people – such as resettlement areas like Farea.
Parkop described the eviction at Two-Mile as unexpected and driven by crime and violence, despite repeated warnings to residents.
The NCDC has been assisting displaced families while resettlement sites are prepared for their long-term settlement.
He added that relocations, including from areas such as Four-Mile, should only occur when new sites were ready.
“NCDC is fast-tracking preparations to ensure resettlement is orderly and humane,” he said.
“NCDC’s long-term strategy is to gradually end informal settlements through planned upgrades and structured resettlement, noting that over the past 18 years the city has avoided arbitrary demolitions and has consistently opposed evictions without alternatives.”
Meanwhile, the NCDC has explained that it was not responsible for the eviction threats on several settlements in the city.
“NCDC does not own the land at Two-Mile, Four-Mile and other locations currently facing eviction threats,” he added.
He explained that without land titles, the NCDC had no authority to carry out evictions in those areas.
“Settlements where NCDC holds land titles including Eight-Mile, Nine-Mile, Makana, Morobe Block and Ragamuga – are not under threat of eviction,” he said.
“Without a title, we cannot evict, although we have powers under Physical Planning to demolish.
“We prefer to obtain titles to ensure smooth and orderly resettlement for a win-win outcome.”