Vendors selling their fresh produce at the recently opened Wabag Market. The people now have a place to buy supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. – Photos courtesy of Kinjone Photography
SUBSISTENCE farmers in Enga Province are now able to sell their fresh produce at the recently completed Wabag Market.
For the past 15 years, Enga, was without a proper market for farmers to sell their local produce but through the leadership of Wabag Open MP and Health Minister Dr Lino Tom, a K13 million grant was secured from Australian Aid (AUSAID)to construct a modern market that took less than three years to plan and build.
“The Wabag Market will act as a central point of business center for all rural farmers throughout the province,” Tom said.
Rural farmers from Kandep, Laiagam, Wapenamanda, Kompiam, Ambum and Wabag are conveniently selling their fresh produce giving the public the privilege to have access to supplies or fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
” It is my duty to ensure the rural people’s needs are adequately met by the government,” he said.
Wabag Rural local level government President Roy Kipalan, acknowledged the input of the Wabag District Development Authority to build this modern market facility that also provided boarding and lodging facilities for farmers, who want to overnight and complete their sales before returning to their respective areas.
Kipalan thanked WDDA for the developmental aspirations and in ensuring that the people have access to government services that promotes socio-economic development and financial empowerment.
A reasonable access fee of K3 is charged per vendor with fees collected to take care of administration costs and upkeep of market facilities on a regular basis.
The Wabag Market is conveniently located right in the heart of Wabag Town just opposite Malyam Hotel along the main Highlands Highway.
Wabag MP and Minister for Health Dr Lino Tom during the opening of the market last year, highlighted the opening of the market was one of the most important infrastructural projects initiated by the WDDA that would economically empower the people when they bring in their fresh produce into the central market to sell.
The new complex includes 139 stalls, vendor transit accommodation, a women’s business administration centre, male and female ablution blocks, first aid facilities and a cafeteria. The market complex is specifically designed to cater for women’s groups, vendors and those who buy and sell at the market to ensure their needs are met through improved accessibility, safety, hygiene standards and economic opportunity.
This project is one of many examples of the PNG-Australia Partnership’s commitment to provide safe and accessible market spaces which help
