Market reopening paves way for communities to earn a living

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By JIMMY KALEBE
THE reopening of the 13A Bumbu Market in Lae yesterday paved the way for communities around it and others to earn their living.
The market was burnt down two weeks ago after a police vehicle was stoned and armed robbery of a PMV bus involving youths in the surrounding communities.
Landowner and market chairman Apu Delabu, from Butibum, said the Morobe Division of Lands and Physical Planning approved the market as the official one in the area.
He said it had been a struggle over the last five years to get such approval from the authorities.
“We have come a long way so let us all work together to make sure this market serves its purpose to help us financially in one way or another,” Delabu told the surrounding communities who gathered to witness the reopening.
Former Morobe governor Luther Wenge, in thanking the landowners of Butibumfor giving their land for the establishment of the market, emphasised that marketing was the way of life for the grassroots people.
“This market is open for trading betel nuts as well as garden food. Through these activities, livelihoods are supported,” Wenge said.
He urged Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu to help the market committee and Butibum landowners to erect a proper shelter and other facilities that would make market users comfortable.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr has called on market users to respect each other.
“Let’s look after this market. Do not bring trouble here,” he said.
“You must respect yourself, respect others and respect police and police will respect you.
“If there is cooperation between the police and the people we will work properly.