22/08/2025
Pangu-led Marape Government secures legal land titles for over 20,000 residents of Makana Morobe Block, 9-Mile
More than 20,000 people living in the Makana Morobe Block at 9-Mile, Port Moresby, have received official state-issued land titles under the Settlement to Suburb Transformation Project, the Pangu-led Marape Government announced today.
The titles mark a major milestone in the government’s urban upgrade program, providing legal recognition and security of tenure to families and households across Moresby Northeast. The Settlement to Suburb Transformation Project aims to convert informal settlements into structured, secure, and serviceable suburban communities through land titling, planning, and infrastructure upgrades.
“A secure land title is a life-changing asset for families — it provides certainty, enables investment, and supports broader urban development,” said a government spokesperson. “This achievement reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive urban transformation and to improving the lives of residents in the National Capital District.”
Residents welcomed the move as a long-awaited step toward stability and opportunity. “Having an official land title gives us peace of mind and the confidence to improve our homes and plan for the future,” said a Makana Morobe community representative.
The issuance of titles will pave the way for planned infrastructure improvements, access to basic services, and greater economic activity in the area. The government says follow-up activities will include registration support, community planning sessions, and coordination with service providers to ensure the suburb transition proceeds smoothly.
For more information, see the NBC report: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/25451/urban-upgrade-9-mile-residents-secure-legal-land-titles