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Flashy Mendi market
By CAPT THOMAS KILALA in Mendi
PEOPLE of Mendi in the Southern Highlands
province now have a new-look market, thanks to the PNG Defence Force
personnel deployed in the province during the State of Emergency.
The commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commodore Peter Ilau
yesterday officially opened the market for the people to use.
Commodore Ilau told more than 200 people who gathered for the occasion
to look after their market.
He also appealed to those still in possession of firearms to surrender
them to the authorities in the province.
“Market is not only a place to sell and buy but also a meeting place for
peoples of all walks of life,” he said.
“When people congregate in a market place, it signifies unity and that’s
how we the people of this nation, should do things – as a united people.
“I appeal to those of you still holding onto guns to surrender them and
make yourself useful with your brain and hands,” he challenged the
people.
Mendi town lord mayor George Tandoa and a community spokesperson Firmin
Manua thanked the defence force and the provincial administration for
identifying the market as a quick impact project during the SoE period.
“The people of Mendi and Southern Highlands wish to thank the PNGDF for
making time available to renovate our market and now it looks so
beautiful.”
The PNG Defence Force Joint Task Force commander under the special
operation in Southern Highlands Lt Col Mark Goina said that currently
the soldiers were working on sealing the Kiburu-Mendi road and should
very soon start on the fencing of Mendi airport as well as repair and
maintenance of Mendi Nursing College.
 
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