By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
The Lae City Council has ordered a man operating a shop in a public toilet at Eriku in Lae to close his business.
The City Council found, that he has no operating license and had a store, food bar and a pharmacy operating in the building.
A 24-hour closure notice was given to the shop this afternoon by the Lae City Council Health Division, following a meeting between the Lae City Council Health Division and the Landlord. The Health Division had ordered the operator to immediately close all the shops by close of business today.
“We have received the complaints at the Eriku Food bar – of that particular food bar that is serving overdue food,” Lae City Council Health Division Director Jonathan Ipang said.
The shops have been operating in the public toilet premises at Eriku in Lae since 2016, without valid Trading Licenses.
According to the Director for Lae City Council Health Division, the issue was reported by the public to Lae Urban Local Level Government. The Health Division then conducted a review of the business trading licenses and found that the shops were operating illegally.
The Lae City Council Health Division with the support of Lae District will conduct surveillance into all the businesses operating in the city.
The Health Director said Health Inspectors will be conducting food, waste, and noise pollution surveillances in the city before and after business hours.
He has warned business houses and residents of Lae to comply with the government ’s rules and regulations.
