By GINNAH MINI
THE National Capital District (NCD) Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, has announced plans to close 22 informal roadside vending sites across Port Moresby, citing concerns over public safety, security, cleanliness and the image of the nation’s capital.
Governor Parkop said the safety and security of the city must remain a priority, stressing that unregulated roadside vending could contribute to sanitation problems and petty crime.
He made the announcement yesterday at City Hall during a joint press conference to discuss key issues affecting the city.
Among the vending sites earmarked for closure or relocation are Manu Market, Rainbow Roadside Market, the 6-Mile Roundabout, the 9-Mile Roundabout and Gerehu Temporary Market, along with other informal trading locations.
Governor Parkop said the affected sites would either be closed or relocated to designated areas where vendors could operate with proper authorisation.
He acknowledged that the NCD administration had allowed informal vending to continue over the years, recognising its importance in supporting the livelihoods and economic wellbeing of many residents.
“We have been generous to our people. We have formal markets that we prefer our people to trade and vend there, but we have allowed this informal market to also exist, side by side with the formal market,” Governor Parkop said.
He clarified that the administration was not against roadside vending but insisted that trading activities must be properly regulated and organised to ensure public safety, security and cleanliness.
“We are not against roadside vending, but it cannot be allowed to go unregulated and unchecked, unorganised, especially in terms of safety, security and cleanliness and contributing to the positive ambience and image of our capital city, reputation of our country and our people,” he said.
Governor Parkop said the planned closures were part of efforts to address growing concerns about the city’s cleanliness and the rise in petty crimes.
He added that the NCD administration would work closely with the police to enforce the closures and facilitate the relocation of affected informal market operators.
The Governor also appealed to vendors to cooperate with the decision and make use of authorised market facilities as the city moves towards improving public order and maintaining a cleaner and safer environment.