Thousands displaced after Talai eviction

Hundreds of people have been left homeless and thousands of Kina worth of properties destroyed following an eviction at the Talai Settlement in the Moresby South electorate of the nation's capital on Monday.

Member for Moresby South and Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says there must be proper resettlement plans in place before any eviction takes place.

Efforts are underway to provide temporary shelters and rations for the affected people.

The Department of Lands has come under the spotlight in the recent times, over allegations of dubious land dealings, which include the Caution Bay at Central Province, the Konebada Petroleum Park, bush wara and others.

The Talai settlement in the Moresby South electorate faces a similar dilemma.

An eviction took place yesterday, following a 21 – day court order issued by a woman, who claims to be the title holder of this portion of land.

Local MP Justin Tkatchenko when addressing the affected community, says there's an ongoing court battle over the land and no further progress has been made, due to missing documents.

He adds, Talai is a state land and questioned the manner in which the land was acquired.

Mr Tkatchenko reminded the people of the court order, and the need for them to abide by it.

The MP assured the settlers that he would work closely with the Lands Department and other relevant authorities to address this matter.

Lands Minister John Rosso says the matter is before the courts and refrained from any further comments.