Prime Minister James Marape has issued a firm call for an immediate slowdown of eviction exercises across the National Capital District, appealing for “compassion and responsibility” as the state scrambles to find a humane way forward for displaced settlers.

The Prime Minister’s intervention comes amid a wave of court-sanctioned evictions that have left many families in the city’s informal settlements reeling. While acknowledging the legal weight of these orders, Marape urged title holders to hit the brakes to allow the National Government and NCD authorities the breathing room to intervene.

“I respectfully ask all those in possession of court orders for eviction to slow down the process. Let us allow both the National Government and the NCD authorities the time and space to find proper, humane, and lasting solutions for our people,” Marape said.

Addressing the issue, the Prime Minister stated that the growth of these settlements is a direct result of rural-urban migration and the pursuit of a better life. He says, even if legal titles are missing, the human element cannot be ignored.

“Many of our people have come into the city in pursuit of a better life. While some settlements may have been established outside formal legal processes, we must approach this issue from a humanitarian perspective,” he stated.

He expressed concern that the Government has been kept in the dark regarding some of these exercises, leading to a lack of coordination. He emphasized that the state must be given the chance to facilitate “relocation where necessary, with dignity and planning.”

Marape recalled the Garden Hills evictions as a cautionary tale. He highlighted the irony of land being cleared only to sit idle and undeveloped while former residents suffer.

“In some cases, people have been evicted but the land has not been developed. This raises important questions about timing, planning, and responsibility. Land will not run away but people’s lives are directly affected,” the Prime Minister said.

To prevent further aimless displacement, the Government now intends to hold developers accountable. Marape indicated that title holders may soon be required to prove they have the means and intent to build.

“Those holding land titles will be asked to present their development plans as soon as possible. Government is prepared to work with landowners to ensure that development proceeds responsibly, while also ensuring that affected communities are properly relocated,” he said.

The Prime Minister confirmed that formal instructions would be sent to the Police Commissioner, with copies to NCD Governor Powes Parkop, to ensure that enforcement on the ground aligns with this humanitarian stance.

“We must manage urban development in a way that protects both legal rights and human dignity. We cannot allow our people to be displaced abruptly without proper alternatives in place,” Marape stressed.

As the city continues to expand, the Prime Minister’s message to landowners and authorities stands clear; orderly, fair, and lasting solutions must take priority over immediate displacement.

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