The supply and the cost of transporting betelnut in Madang has increased following the collapsed of the Banab bridge last Thursday.
30-year-old, Hubert Fanda, from East Sepik told EMTV they are spending more money than they had initially budgeted for.
He said the cost of transporting one betel nut bag is K6 and with him transporting 90 bags he is expected to spend at least K540 on boats apart from other costs.
” The cost is getting higher now,” said a vendor.
Betel nut is a thriving business for many people in PNG.
However, buai sellers engaged in this informal business along the North Coast area of Madang are making more losses than profit.
The collapse of the Banab Bridge along the North Coast road last Thursday night has affected individuals engaged in this business.
It collapsed after a heavy weight truck carrying an excavator was trying to cross over the bridge.
This has left the travelling public, and buai sellers including PMV operators to resort to using canoes and boats to cross.
PMV operators are also affected following the collapsed of the bridge.
A PMV driver says he usually makes K3,000 on a daily basis however he is now making K100.
Meanwhile, commuters, business operators, and buai sellers are calling on the National Government, Provincial authorities and other relevant authorities to fix the bridge.
