Crowd throws rocks at MPs
PORT MORESBY - Papua New Guinea Minister for Housing and Urbanisation Justin Tkatchenko was hit in the leg by a huge rock thrown by an unknown assailant as he attempted to address the residents of the Gordon National Housing Corporation flats on Tuesday.
Mr Tkatchenko said he was standing between the residents and the company which was about to take ownership of the flats in a court-ordered eviction, and as he attempted to speak, the opposing members in the crowd started throwing stones, rocks, sticks and anything they could get their hands on with residents of the flats.
“When we tried to move, I was hit hard by a rock on my (right) leg which caused me to slightly fall. I felt pain and thought I had been shot; I checked and realised I had been hit on my leg, leaving a huge bruise on my leg. I left soon after and sought medical attention,” he said on Tuesday night.
Also caught in the melee was member for Moresby North-east John Kaupa.
Mr Tkatchenko reiterated that his stand on eviction exercises and sale of NHC houses in the country still stood.
“I went to Gordon to ascertain the facts on the issue, and to let these people know that my stand on eviction around the country still stands,” he said.
“Secondly we now have to figure out a way we can look after these families’ humanely.”
Hundreds of people are likely to be left homeless due to the current court order. Mr Tkatchenko said the demolition order had been put on hold to allow him and fellow leaders to gather more information and speak to concerned parties.
“While the law is there to guide us, we will work with all parties concerned to ensure an amicable resolution is reached and that the welfare of all our people is also priority among the decisions that will be made,” said Mr Tkatchenko.
He urged the residents to understand that the courts had given directives so they had to co-operate for a positive outcome.
“I with member for Moresby North-east John Kaupa and the Governor Powes Parkop will arrange meetings with the company owner to work out an understanding on this situation.”