Market to be removed

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE Sandaun executive council (PEC) is seeking assistance from PNG Defence Force soldiers to remove the Vanimo town market in preparation for an international surfing competition, Governor Tony Wowou says.
Wowou said yesterday that the PEC had requested soldiers to break down makeshift stalls and tables because local police manpower was small.
“There will be a one-week international long-board surfing championship held at Lido village in November,” he said.
“International tourists will be visiting the town in large numbers, so we are cleaning up the town.
“The current market is an eyesore with makeshift stalls, tables and rubbish everywhere.
“The market also has to be removed to make way for the development of the new international wharf and the airport terminal.
“The wharf will be extended for another 2km and the airport terminal will be extended to an international standard.”
Wowou said this after it was reported on Facebook that soldiers deployed for border operation had destroyed the market without reasons on Tuesday night.
“PEC has made a resolution in the recent assembly meeting to relocate the town market to the new site about 2km away from the current market location,” he said.