Paper short abstract:

The paper examines inter-group relations in Port Moresby’s informal settlement Two Mile through perspective of appropriation of space and water supply. Appropriation of water in Two Mile symbolizes delineation, organisation and appropriation of urban space in the settlement.

Paper long abstract:

The paper examines inter-group relations in Port Moresby’s informal urban settlement Two Mile through perspective of appropriation of space and water supply. Illegal settlements, home to numerous small communities or social networks (<i>wantok system</i>), are marginal urban spaces of intense social interactions where identities are being reconstructed and redefined. As clusters of interactions between different social groups, every part of these settlements is consciously and carefully transformed into a place where familiar relations are established. Relations between the communities are manifested in the settlements’ (illegal) water supply network. Water pipes are clearly visible, laid on the surface and form an extensive network, which represents organisation and division of space in the settlements. Because there are many small groups in Two Mile, the network of water pipes has become extremely chaotic. Due to unprofessional water connections there is an enormous leakage. Hence, the name of the national water company Eda Ranu, which in <i>Hiri Motu</i> means ‘our water’, is perfectly justified.

Appropriation of water connections is a common practice in Port Moresby’s urban settlements with even political campaigns sometimes revolving around legalizing old or establishing new connections. Among different groups in the Two Mile settlement the network of water distribution and appropriation of space represent spatial conceptions of home and system of urban socio-cultural identity (<i>wantok</i> network). Appropriation of water connections thus symbolizes delineating, organising and appropriating of urban space in the settlement.