Kranget fish market vendors hope for proper recognition

By GLORIA BAUAI
WOMEN who sell cooked seafood at the Kranget fish market in Madang hope that the provincial and district governments will formally recognise their group.
The market, frequented by those who love a variety of cooked seafood, is situated along the seawall next to the driveway to the Madang Resort.
Spokeswoman Dephney Bulus said the market had been used for years by the women from Kranget Island – a K2 boat-ride from Madang town.
Bulus said the islanders had very limited income sources.
“You either build a rent house or depend on your partner if they are formally employed,” she said.
“For some of us, this market is the only source of income to meet our basic needs like food and our children’s education.
“Our business was affected by the fish-ban following the Basamuk spillage, then the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Many times, police come and destroy our market. The only person who ever cared for us was the late resort owner Sir Peter Barter who gave us the spot.” The women are hoping that Madang MP Bryan Kramer would assist them.