Businesses reopen day after clashes rock capital city

By DALE LUMA
MOST private businesses resumed normal operations yesterday in Port Moresby, a business representative says.
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) president Rio Fiocco said most businesses closed their doors on Monday due to security concerns from an election-related clash last Sunday in the nation’s capital which saw opportunists take advantage of the situation the following day.
Fiocco said, however, most businesses that opened did so with limited staff because some employees were unable to get to work as
many buses in the city’s public transportation system were not operating.
“Most private businesses are operating today (yesterday) but with limited staff,” Fiocco told The National.
“This is because of lot of staff could not get into work because most rely on PMVs (public motor vehicles).
“And, of course, the public service is not at work.
“But some service stations are open and most supermarkets are operating so it’s getting back to normal.”
Fiocco said businesses were happy with the presence of police and defence force personnel being deployed on the streets of Port Moresby to maintain order.
“It’s a big improvement to what had happened yesterday (Monday), very good that police and army are out.”
On Monday, due to the tension in the city, Fiocco described the situation as unpredictable.
“We closed our office because of the safety of our staff to stay at home and stay safe as it was a volatile situation out there,” he said.
“It is disappointing that this is happening and criminals and opportunist are taking advantage of this.
“Most businesses are noting what’s going on in their immediate vicinity and as a consequence most are closing up.”