New market in capital city to open for public use, says MP

THE K2 million Erima/Wildlife market in Moresby North East will soon be open for public to use, says local MP John Kaupa.
Kaupa was given a tour of the new market facility by his first secretary and district market manager Jack Ninkama.
The market, initially constructed by a local company last year, was not completed on schedule which forced the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to stop work on it.
Earlier this year, the district had been working with Eda Ranu and PNG Power and connected the two important utilities, with two public toilets for use. After a final inspection by NCDC, health authorities and other stakeholders this week, it will be commissioned for public use.
The market was built in consultation with the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (Cepa) which is the current land title holder. Kaupa thanked Cepa for freeing up the land for the market that would serve communities in Erima, Wildlife and Cepa workers.
“This market is specifically designed for wholesalers,” he said.
“Our farmers from Central can come and sell their bulk fresh produce here for retailers to buy.
“The two weeks lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic has created a lot of stress on small families who are involved in market vending for survival.
“In the next two months during the state of emergency, the market will be open for public use but we must adhere to instructions given.”