Oro bans informal sector activities in Popondetta town

THE Oro Provincial Executive Council (PEC) has banned all informal sector activities in Popondetta’s central business district area.
According to the Oro governor’s office, the PEC made the decision at a meeting last week.
In line with the PEC decision, offenders would be arrested, charged and prosecuted with penalties consistent with the Summary Offences Act and the Informal Sector Development and Control Act 2004 (ISDCA 2004).
Offenders would be fined not exceeding K200 or jailed for a term not exceeding one year.
A person who sells or buys “brus” or a cigarette in a public place is guilty of an offence and the penalty would be a fine not exceeding Kl0,000 and/or jailed for a term not exceeding three years.
A person who sells betel nuts or buys betel nuts or chews or spits in a public place is guilty of an offence with fine not exceeding Kl0,000 and/or jailed for a term not exceeding three years.
The Oro Provincial Government (OPG) would also legislate the OPG Informal Sector Development and Control Act and integrate provisions of Sections 19, 44A and 44B to deal with offenders.
According to the OPG, designated areas had been identified including Popondetta town market (newly constructed market complex), Oro Kaiva market, the craft market and the temporary designated information sector market areas including Konda Lane, Gasara Street round about and Ugi Service Station and Department of Works, PNG Power House and the other designated areas.
The small informal sector markets established within residential areas needed to be licensed and comply with health and building regulations.
Inspectors are to be appointed as per provisions of the Informal Sector Development and Control Act 2004, under Section 4 to undertake activities as stipulated in Sections 5, 6 and 7. A public awareness exercises would be undertaken this month and in August to inform the public of the PEC’s actions.