Lae, 4 May 2025: The Livestock Development Corporation Limited (LDC) has issued an official eviction notice to all illegal settlers occupying Portion 234 at 3 Mile, Lae, directing them to vacate the land by 30 June 2025 or face forced removal.
The notice, signed by LDC Managing Director Mr Terry Koim and dated 1 May, confirms that Portion 234 is a legally registered State Lease held by LDC. The public is now advised that police will begin serving eviction notices on Monday, 5 May, at the 3 Mile Police Station, while awareness activities are being conducted today (Sunday, 4 May) to inform residents of the legal grounds and implications.
Importantly, the Certificate of Authorisation to Occupy (CAO) on Portion 234 — previously held by DAL — was formally transferred to LDC by a decision of the then DAL Secretary and senior statesman, Mr Noreo Beangke, in a letter addressed to the Secretary for Lands dated 19 June 1987.
“All settlers must vacate and remove any unauthorised structures — including homes, trade stores, churches and schools — constructed without LDC’s consent,” Mr Koim said.
He explained that following LDC’s closure in Lae in 1994, settlers unlawfully occupied the land and removed staff from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA). He reaffirmed that the land has never been disposed of by LDC to any person or entity.
“This land has always remained a government asset under LDC. It is not for private use or occupation,” Mr Koim said.
The eviction directive is supported by multiple legal and administrative authorities:
- A Prime Ministerial directive dated 17 March 2020, instructing LDC to recover its assets across PNG;
- A public warning from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands Hon. John Rosso, issued via the Post-Courier on 29 June 2023, stating that illegal settlers on State land face eviction without compensation;
- A general directive from the Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning warning illegal occupants nationwide;
- Public notices issued in May 2020 by the DAL Secretary and LDC Board Chairman urging voluntary evacuation of LDC-owned lands.
“This eviction is part of our ongoing efforts to reclaim vital State properties for future agricultural and livestock development,” Mr Koim said. “We call on all settlers to comply peacefully. No compensation will be paid as their occupancy is illegal.”
The LDC has already successfully reclaimed State assets in several provinces including Central, East Sepik, Eastern Highlands, Morobe, Western Highlands, and Madang.
Concerned residents are encouraged to contact LDC’s General Manager Operations, Mr Steven Yangis, on 7290 6709 for further guidance.
The notice was also copied to Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, Minister for Livestock Hon. Sekie Agisa, Minister for Agriculture Hon. John Boito, key departmental secretaries, the Morobe Provincial Police Commander, and legal representatives.
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