Illegal settlers in Bumayong served eviction notices by ELC

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea is in process of reclaiming its land illegally grabbed by illegitimate settlers around the country.  

The Morobe ELC has served two weeks’ eviction notice to settlers occupying section 35 and 36 along the Bumayong area, outside of Lae in Morobe Province.

This week about 700 illegal occupants of these land was handed the notices to vacate the area during the two weeks’ period.  

The motive for the Evangelical Church of PNG to take back its land is on development purposes.

ELC PNG General Secretary Bernard Kaisom said several information including volunteer eviction notice were handed prior to serving the current announcement.

Kaisom said ELC and Lae City Authority will work together to address the issues of housing shortage, hence, the Bumayong area must be cleared to allow this development.

The general secretary said section 35 and 36 rightfully belongs to the church and the settlers must adhere to notices distributed.

Kaisom said it's an unfortunate situation but the land must be unoccupied as it has been discussed in the previous synod resolution by the church.

Similar eviction exercises will be done in Chimbu and Madang Province.