By Louisah Frank – EM TV News – Port Moresby
Street vendors and ordinary Papua New Guineans at Boroko in the National Capital District are looking after a German – Australian man.
Robert Bottger was flown into Port Moresby from Cairns late last year by a construction company with the promise of a good job and life.
He refused to name the company but claim he was terminated from work after two months because of nepotism within the company.
Bottger was left in the streets of Port Moresby unemployed and homeless when a family in Boroko took him into their home.
Maggie Marakar and Rose Bill, street vendors from Boroko met Robert for the first time at the Boroko bus stop, with nothing but a container of water. They quickly introduced him to their friends and family in Boroko.
Since then, other street vendors and even shop owners in Boroko have been looking out for Mr. Bottger.
Marakar said they do not have much but try to provide Robert with food and whatever little money they have and most importantly, they try to make him happy and ensure he is in good health.
Robert has been living the life of an ordinary Papua New Guinean for almost three months now.
Robert Bottger said he has been going to the Immigration Office, Labour Department and the Australian High Commission, but help has been slow.
He said there have been a lot of negative comments made about PNG and its people however; he has come to know Papua New Guineans as good people.
Robert said these people have shown great care and kindness to him which is something his fellow Westerners and family cannot do for him.
He said he regards these Papua New Guineans who look out for him as family, and has plans to stay in the country.
