Port Moresby City Manager, Bernard Kipit warns that any encroachment or development within 9-Mile Cemetery boundary is illegal.

Thus, he said offenders were punishable under relevant laws.

Mr Kipit recently issued the warning in light of developments popping up which are contrary to the approved use of the area.

In a media statement, Mr Kipit urged everyone to coorporate or police remove them forcefully.

He reaffirmed that almost 80 hectares of land at 9-Mile (portion 884) is a public cemetery. That is under the Cemeteries Act (Chapter 302) of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and other related laws.

Mr Kipit expressed grave concerns over increasing number of unauthorized vehicles. Also, persons who are using the Cemetery access road for entry into the settlement and illegal developments.

CEMETERY IS FOR BURIAL OF DECEASED PERSONS 

He clarified that the use and purpose of the cemetery is for burial of deceased persons. Better still, it is for further development plans of the Commission.

The developments taking place within the vicinity of the area have not been approved by the NCDC Board or its Physical and Planning Board. Thus, it is all illegal.

He said when the construction of the 9-Mile to 14-Mile 4-lane road is complete, NCDC would build a permanent fence around the cemetery area. That is, he said, to ensure structures used on graves are to acceptable and legal standards unlike now.

In addition, he said the design of the fence is before the NCD Physical and Planning Board for approval.

Further, Mr Kipit added that there were plans as well to build access roads in and around the cemetery.  In addition to roads, there are plans for other development activities that complement the cemetery uses.

More so, he said NCDC already informed NCD and Central Police Command about the illegal developments taking place within the area.

They, he said, requested to assist stop these illegal activities. https://pngsun.com/2021/06/25/ncd-police-man-crime-hotspot/