Saraga Market officially opens

The new Saraga Market at Six-Mile, Port Moresby, saw its first lot of vendors from the old market move in to occupy space to sell their produce.

Over two hundred vendors moved in yesterday morning and normal business was conducted as usual.

Market manager John Simon told Loop PNG that more talks with the member for Moresby South and the NCDC authority will see improvements done to the market’s policies and regulations.

He said at the moment, vendors have been given a grace period from paying any fees to sell their produce.

This will only go on for a few weeks until vendors settle in.

Simon said they are looking at having more people from Central Province come through to sell their produce as well.

He adds that there will no longer be any roadside market along the roads as NCDC has authorised and ordered for all goods to be sold at the main Saraga Market, along with the other fresh produce.

Mothers, also previous vendors from the old Six-Mile market, said they were grateful for the opportunity to finally gain a space in the new market.

They added that prior to moving markets; they were always forced to move their fresh produce from one market space to another due to the level of crime in the old market.

They said now that they have a fenced and secure selling space, they are happy that they can sell their produce without having to worry about petty rascals.

Minister for APEC and member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, also made an official appearance at the new market.

Tkatchenko was welcomed by vendors and market officials and given a tour around the main market area.

Author: 
Annette Kora