Fight breaks out between drivers, youths over betel nut spittle

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A FIGHT broke out at Port Moresby’s busiest bus stop between PMV drivers and youths yesterday after a PMV crew member discharged betel nut spittle in the bus stop area, Port Moresby Public Motor Vehicle Association (PMV) president Jack Waso says.
“The youth had ordered the crew to clean up his spit at Unagi (Oval) field at about 2pm, but the crew didn’t obey him, and instead, got a bush knife and attacked the youth,” he said.
“Other youths then mobilised and fought with the crew, other crew members and drivers joined in the fight.
“There was a protest by the drivers and the crew, resulting in temporarily grounding of their operation.
“But this tense situation was resolved and PMVs using the Unagi Oval to pick and drop off passengers resumed operation and will continue tomorrow.”
The oval is being used as a temporary bus station in the city.
Waso said he wanted the National Capital District Commission to clarify the engagement of the youths to clean up the bus stop.
“We are seeing youths with green and yellow vests cleaning and manning bus stops throughout the city and I’m wondering who is engaging and supervising them?” he said.
“Yes, I’m happy they are keeping the bus stop clean.
“But then, they are not recognised by my association members and so, such fights will break out because the youths are not the official cleaners to give instructions.
“They are also collecting money from PMVs for keeping the bus stops clean which they are not supposed to do. Because, if they are officially been engaged, then they should be paid by their employer and not collect money from PMVs.”
Waso said there were 400 trained bus stop wardens available to keep bus stops safe throughout the city.
“These bus stops warders have attended training that was funded by United Nation Women,” he said.
“The training was facilitated by National Capital District police traffic unit so that these wardens can look after the bus stops and prevent petty criminal activities such as bag-snatching and pick pocketing.
“Unfortunately, they have not been deployed at the bus stops because there are no funds to pay them.
“I’m calling on the commission to help fund them so that they can keep our bus stops safe, especially for our women and children.”
Waso said he did submit a proposal to the commission last year but did not receive a response.
“I’m calling on our Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby North-West MP Samuel Boe Lohia, Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko to help fund these wardens.”