Women vendors at the Waigani Market, have raised concerns over police brutality, and the burning down of their second hand clothes, over the weekend.
The women said since the buai ban, they have resorted to selling other goods to sustain themselves in the city.
With all their goods burnt, they want appropriate authorities to provide alternatives.
This was the scene at Waigani Market, after police burnt down second hand clothes and market goods, in an attempt to disperse stubborn buai sellers at the market.
Frustrated vendors gathered at the market to raise their concerns. Among them, was women advocate and President of PNG Women in Business, Janet Sape.
The vendors, mostly women in the informal sector, called on the NCD Governor, to address the issue as they claim the policemen who burnt down their goods, said they were only carrying out orders by the Governor.
The women also claim, they were promised by successive NCD Governors, to have a proper shelter built, to sell their second hand goods at the Waigani Market, but after 20 years, there is nothing.
Since the buai ban, many women in the informal sector have respected the law, and opted to selling other goods to sustain their families in the city. But right now, they feel threatened to sell goods and want appropriate authorities to provide alternatives.
Some of the women’s concerns will be highlighted on March 24, which is National Women’s Day, to be facilitated by PNG Women in Business.
Meanwhile, NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, said he never sent or gave orders to the police, to burn down or attack second hand clothes dealers.
He said police are only assisting NCDC, to enforce the Betelnut ban. On the issue of the shelter at Waigaini Market, Governor Parkop said first and foremost, landowners have to agree, in order to build one.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UMlPpS0Amtg%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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