Port Moresby's 2- Mile Eviction a result of Community Failure to end Violence

 National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says the forced eviction at Rabiagini 2-Mile was necessary after the community repeatedly failed to renounce crime and violence.

Governor Parkop said he did not comment earlier because he was focused on coordinating the response with key leaders, including Acting Prime Minister John Rosso, Minister Justin Tkatchenko, ACP Benjamin Turi, Metsup Warrick Simatab, and Member for Goilala Casmiro Aia.

Port Moresby's 2- Mile Eviction a results of Community Failure to end Violence

He said the community had been warned multiple times and given numerous chances to change, including a full community meeting in 2022, but the issues continued.

“We can’t continue to do the same thing expecting a different outcome. We have to do things differently. It was our plan to undertake an orderly relocation and resettlement but this situation was forced on our hands,” Governor Parkop said.

Governor Parkop described the eviction as regrettable but necessary to protect residents and restore peace. He acknowledged that many women and children were affected and emphasised the ongoing damage caused by years of criminal activity.

He said the NCDC administration was committed to resettling displaced residents and had included funds for the resettlement in its 2025 and 2026 budgets.

“This situation at 2-Mile has been forced on us,” Governor Parkop said.

He explained that resettlement plans were delayed by other emergencies such as the 2-Mile road collapse and Hanuabada bypass crack, as well as waiting for land subdivision at Ferea.

Governor Parkop has directed City Manager Ravu Frank and the NCDC team to coordinate resettlement and provide basic needs for displaced families.

He said relocation of other communities at 2-Mile, mainly from Simbu, Eastern Highlands and some Southern Highlands groups, would begin as early as Tuesday, 27 January 2026, under an orderly plan.

Funding for the exercise is included in the 2026 NCD budget, which was approved by the NCDC Board. Basic support will be released based on needs assessment.

The Governor warned that other settlement communities would be moved once alternative sites were ready, and reiterated that unauthorised buildings are subject to demolition under Physical Planning laws.

He stressed that peaceful residents from Goilala and other areas were not targeted, noting that Goilala communities in Vadavada, Erima, 9-Mile, Morata and Waigani were safe because they maintain peace with other ethnic groups.

Governor Parkop recalled a peace ceremony last year between Engan and Goilala communities in Waigani, where the Engan community paid K60,000 and other compensation.

“If we respect each other and promote peace and unity, no harm or danger will come to any of us,” he said.