Lae women want market

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

WOMEN in Morobe want the Lae main market returned to them to sell their produce from.

This was part of a petition presented by Wampar LLG women’s spokesperson Mary John to Governor Kelly Naru at the Tutumang building. 

At least 100 women in their provincial colour meri blouse and carrying flags and placards met Naru and his staff to present the petition.

The women from the nine districts of Morobe were led by women from Naru’s own Wampar LLG.

The petition stated that:

All black markets at the main market be banned;

New shelters and tables to be constructed for Morobe women;

Equal market space be allocated to Morobe women;

Security of Morobe women be guaranteed;

Unnecessary market fees be reduced or removed;

Wheelbarrow boys at the market be removed; 

Proper water and sanitation facility be built; and

Arts, crafts and clothes be transferred to a separate market.

Rubbie Musalu said they had been victims of harassment and abuse on their own land for a long time and it must stop.

Naru assured them that the petition would be looked into.

“If I have to do a discriminatory policy I will do it. But I will do positive discrimination to treat the unfortunate fairly,” he said.

“We will divide the market so that three-quarters of the space go to Morobeans. Others will occupy what is left.”

He said he would start responding to the petition next week. 

He said some points in the petition were not achievable in the interim.