Kokopo takes on vendors

By ABIGAIL APINA
AN operation will begin today to rid illegal street vendors in Kokopo, East New Britain province.
Operation Wasim Kokopo would involve urban government officials, police and youth groups from nearby village communities.
Kokopo LLG senior environmental health officer Killian Lukara last Friday said street vending was becoming a serious problem in Kokopo. The number of street vendors had increased sharply in recent months.
He said these street activities had contributed to more rubbish and dirty sites in the town area.
“There are designated markets available but people are not using them to sell their goods.
“Street vending is not part of the Tolai culture. It is foreign,” Lukara said.
He said street vending had violated the town’s littering and illegal trading laws.
Awareness on Operation Wasim Kokopo had been carried out to give the sellers an opportunity to voluntarily stop their activities and return to proper markets.
“The main aim of the operation is to rid illegal street sales to ensure Kokopo remains clean and safe for everyone.”
Lukara said defaulters would be spot-fined and, if they refused, they would be arrested and their goods confiscated.
The operation would also monitor people consuming alcohol in public places and loitering.
The operation would remain for an indefinite period.