Settlers of the Saivara Estate at Nine Mile in the Moresby Northeast Electorate were presented land tittles by their local Member of Parliament John Kaupa, who has once again demonstrated strong leadership in urban development especially under the Settlement to Suburb program.

Mr. Kaupa when presenting the titles to the settlers told them that this is a special Christmas gift to them. 

The land title for Portion 2708 was formally presented to Saivara Association Chairman Mr. Daniel Palangu and the title for Portion 2711 was presented to its representative, Mr. Willie Lenep.

The land title presentation to Saivara Nine Mile (Portion 2708) marks a major milestone under the North East Settlement-to-Suburbs Program, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to proper urban development, security of tenure, and improved living standards for settlers.

The people of Saivara thanked MP Kaupa, his officers, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop for their continued support in advancing land ownership for settlers in the nation’s capital under the Settlement to suburb program.

The Northeast Settlement-to-Suburbs Program Coordinator Mr. Jack Ninkama praised the initiative, saying land ownership is the foundation for transforming settlements into organised and lawful suburban communities.

“Land titles give settlers security, dignity, and the confidence to develop their communities,” Mr. Ninkama said.

“Other areas including Eight Mile, Peter Kama, Makana, Morobe, Vitis, and Turn-Off portions, will be subdivided and issued titles to genuine settlers under the ongoing program.”

Mr. Ninkama also highlighted that not all settlements are crime-infested, noting that many are home to low-income earners and public servants; thus, with proper planning and legal ownership, these areas can be developed into suburbs with real market value for block holders.

The MP also attributed this successful progress to the consistent leadership by the NCD Governor and the North East leadership, which has resulted in major urban developments across the city.

He announced plans for new state-of-the-art facilities at Nine Mile, including a hospital, supermarket complex with banks and shopping malls, and the construction of a North East Electorate Office.

Kaupa then urged residents to cooperate with their associations, surveyors, and NCDC management to ensure the success of the program.

“This is a costly exercise, but with the support of the NCD Governor, the Prime Minister, the Lands Minister, and other line ministries, especially the Education Ministry, we are making it possible,” Hon. Kaupa said.

He also added that distributing land titles reflects his commitment to inclusive urban development and empowering settlers through legal land ownership.

“This Christmas, I am proud to give the people of Saivara peace of mind and a foundation for a better future.”

In appreciation of the land titles, the Nine Mile community presented live pigs, cooked food, including garden produce to Mr. Kaupa as a sign of respect and gratitude and heartfelt thank you.

The people also pledged their continued support to his leadership and commitment to settlement development.