Madang PPC: Vendors will be removed

By ANGELINE KARIUS
STREET vendors will be removed from Madang town, according to provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr.
He said this followed a directive from the provincial government.
He said the vending locations in the township were where criminal activities happened.
“We will get rid of the street vendors,” he said.
He said this allowed people to congregate allowing criminals to gain easy access, pick pockets and snatch bags.
Wagambie said it was also fast becoming an eye-sore and a health hazard to the public.
He also blamed the public for encouraging such businesses to thrive because of the demand.
“The more we buy from them (vendors), the more we encourage them to continue selling their goods,” he said.
 He said youths would be recruited to assist police in their operations during the festive season.
“Police needs community assistance during this time,” Wagambie said.
 He said attempts to revive the recruitment of reserve and auxiliary staff had failed.
He said the exercise had been made redundant due to funding constraints.
According to task force commander Daniel Kapen, manpower and logistic support in terms of vehicles continued to hinder police work.
It is understood that the force has requested the provincial government to assist by providing vehicles.