By Jacob Niru (UPNG Jouralism Student) – EM TV, Port Moresby
Informal markets in towns and cities are the lifeline for many, generating income for people without paid jobs.
But unhealthy market environments and poor infrastructure are major issues that the government and authorities need to address.
Sellers at Port Moresby’s Waigani informal market made this call today, as they feel they will lose income due to the current weather conditions, and the poor state of the environment at the market.
This informal market at Waigani, located near the bus stop, for Morata One and Two settlements in Port Moresby, serves many people every day with vendors selling cooked food, soft drinks and other food items.
But the unhygienic conditions of the market and the lack of support by the government to provide better buildings for these vendors remains a big concern for them.
A drain next to cooked food stalls is not safe for children, as they can easily fall into it. The mud, dust, and leakages from nearby sewerage systems gives off nasty smells to the market users.
The vendors said this market supports many families for their survival in the big city.
They said the market is currently in a deteriorating state, because of the continuous rain in recent weeks. The vendors feel strongly that their concerns should be addressed.
The vendors appealed to the NCD Governor to install shelters and upgrade the market.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XBBHl-79q7E%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
