4 MILE SETTLERS OBTAINS COURT ORDER TO STOP EVICTION
BY RICKY ISRAEL
SETTLERS who were forcefully evicted from the Works Compound at Portion 4655, Four Mile, in Port Moresby, have secured a court order to stop further eviction.
Lawyer Samson Hirowa from Gore and Associates Lawyers, who is representing the settlers, says the eviction was carried out unfairly and without proper notice.
Mr Hirowa says police issued a 21-day eviction notice on the 4th of February 2026, but carried out the eviction before the 21 days had ended.
He says because of this, his law firm filed an urgent human rights case in the National Court, claiming the settlers’ rights were violated.
Mr Hirowa says the settlers have lived on the land for more than 40 years and have strong ties to the area. He says the courts recognise that settlers who have lived on land for a long time have equitable rights and must be given reasonable time to move.
He says 21 days is not reasonable, and in similar cases, settlers are usually given one or two years.
Mr Hirowa confirms the National Court has granted a stay order, which means no eviction will take place while the matter is before the court.
He says any attempt to evict the settlers during this time would be contempt of court. The next court hearing is scheduled for the 3rd of March.
Meanwhile, settler representative Samgai Bina says more than 4000 people have been affected and many families now have nowhere to go.
Mr Bina says the settlers are calling on politicians, business houses, and other stakeholders to help them, as many families are exposed to rain and harsh conditions.
He says the settlers are human beings and deserve respect, protection, and urgent assistance as the court case continues.
