PNG Push to Convert Settlements into Planned Suburbs Gains Momentum in Port Moresby

Land tenure reform in Papua New Guinea’s capital is gathering pace as city authorities roll out a plan to convert informal settlements into structured suburbs through the issuance of land titles to settlers in key locations.

At Bomana Turn-Off and Vanuatu, Portions 2464, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and Port Moresby North East MP John Kaupa reaffirmed their joint commitment to formalising settlements and promoting orderly urban development in Port Moresby.

 PNG Push to Convert Settlements into Planned Suburbs Gains Momentum in Port Moresby

The move is part of a wider strategy to curb the growth of unplanned settlements while giving long-term residents legal recognition and stability over the land they occupy.

Speaking on behalf of the settlers, Daniel Philip welcomed the initiative and said access to land titles would provide families with the confidence to invest in their homes and surroundings. He noted that the initiative offered a realistic pathway for settlements to transition into proper suburbs with improved standards of living.

Project coordinator Jack Ninkama acknowledged the cooperation between settlers, authorities and landowners, explaining that the land ownership landscape in Port Moresby has often been unclear to settlers over the years. He said many residents only became aware of formal ownership when eviction notices were issued in earlier times.

According to Ninkama, the initiative seeks to properly regularise settlement areas and ensure that families are settled in a lawful and organised manner instead of continuing the cycle of unplanned occupation.

MP John Kaupa encouraged residents to be responsible and law-abiding as development progresses, assuring them that additional land titles would be issued as the program expands to other areas.

Governor Parkop reiterated that his administration remains committed to gradually phasing out informal settlements by converting them into planned suburbs, adding that any evictions carried out during his term were based on court orders and lawful claims by landowners.