By Mickey Kavera – EM TV News, Port Moresby
There are plans to upgrade markets in Port Moresby, to make it conducive for business.
This plan will see markets like Gordons to be rebuilt, and others like Malaoro market will be closed and moved to designated areas.
The announcement was made by National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop.
The Gordons market will be redeveloped at a cost of K30 million.
Governor Parkop says the New Zealand Government has made a commitment of K15 million, while NCDC will cover the remaining K15 million.
NCDC’s contribution will be on a kina to kina basis.
They are currently going through a process of redesigning the market so that it can factor into proper traffic management, safety and security and user friendly for everyone.
Gordon’s market is renowned for its petty crimes.
Parkop hopes the new facility will help to transform the culture and everything that Gordons is renowned for and also, that the revamping of the market will enhance the quality of life in the Gordons area.
An expression of interest has been published for companies to bid to build the market. It will close on the 7th or 8th of November this year.
While NCDC welcomes concepts from bidding companies, it has its own concept with the New Zealand Government in partnership with United Nations, UN Women to develop the concept of safe markets, safe city.
“Our vision and goal is to build a market that is iconic, enhance the values if safe market, user friendly market and easily accessible by patrons coming through their vehicles.”
The concept has been trialed at the Gerehu market and has proven to be a success.
Vendors will move to the Boroko Market once Gordon’s market is under redevelopment.
“I want to let the vendors know that Boroko market will be a temporary space for all vendors”.
Parkop also made it known that the Malaoro market will be closed in the future, as it is not in an ideal location.
“Malaoro is a good market, but it cannot be allowed to operate forever. It is not in an ideal location and is causing a lot of traffic jams.
Parkop commended his colleague MP, Member for Moresby South for improving market facilities in his electorate.
However, he has noticed that most of the markets in the Moresby South are always half empty.
“Sabama market is a good market but it is empty all the time. Vendors from Malaoro can move down to Sabama market. But the challenge is for the people of Sabama to change their attitudes and mindsets to attract vendors and customers.”
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