National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has rejected social media claims that he is evicting settlement residents, stating that the National Capital District Commission has no legal authority to remove people from settlements.
Speaking during the opening of the Erima Mambu Road last night, Governor Parkop said false information circulating online had created unnecessary fear and confusion among communities.
He urged residents to seek accurate information from official sources and understand the legal responsibilities of NCDC.
“There has been a lot of misinformation on social media. People continue to say that I am removing people from settlements or issuing eviction notices. That is not true,” Governor Parkop said.
Governor Parkop said his record since taking office shows that he has never directed the eviction of settlement communities.
“My record speaks for itself. Since I became governor, I have never removed anyone from a settlement. No one can say that I have evicted them.”
Governor Parkop explained that NCDC’s role is limited to physical planning and urban development functions including zoning, subdivision approvals and development assessment.
He said approval processes for residential, commercial and other developments are governed through planning regulations and should not be confused with issues relating to land ownership or settlement occupation.
“Our responsibility is physical planning. If someone wants to build a residential house, tucker box, a commercial complex, a supermarket, or a hotel, they must apply through the proper planning process,” he said.
He stressed that planning approvals do not determine land ownership and are separate from settlement matters managed under relevant laws and State authorities.
“Planning approval is different from land ownership. It is also different from settlement issues. Those are matters governed by the law and the relevant State authorities,” he said.
Governor Parkop also encouraged residents to approach information shared on social media carefully, particularly during election periods.
He said public discussion should focus on policy and development issues rather than misinformation.
“Every election, there are people who spread false stories and misinformation. Instead of discussing policies and development, they choose to attack people with false claims,” he said.
Governor Parkop challenged aspiring political leaders to present practical proposals for improving settlements, expanding access to land titles, creating opportunities for young people and addressing social and economic concerns.
He reaffirmed that NCDC’s long-term objective is to improve living conditions through infrastructure delivery and planned urban development.
“Our focus is to build roads, improve drainage, support proper subdivision planning, create community facilities, and transform settlements into well-planned suburbs,” he said.
Governor Parkop also reminded residents that services such as electricity, water supply and policing remain under the responsibility of national agencies, while NCDC continues to work with those institutions to strengthen service delivery.
He encouraged the public to understand the law and rely on verified information.
“We will continue to work within our legal responsibilities to deliver better infrastructure, better planning and a better future for the people of Port Moresby,” he said.