Remains of razed shop to be demolished

 By TONY PALME KIP

THE remains of Malaoro Supermarket in Port Moresby, after a fire devastated it recently, is expected to be demolished today, residents there said.

They told The National yesterday that the management of TST Group of Companies, which owned the shop, allowed them to take whatever valuable item they could find remaining before the demolition exercise.

Manu resident Malu Koia said the management informed them that machines would be used to demolish the building.

He said NCDC gave a 14-day notice for demolition.

Koia said the manager of the shop was grateful to vendors and security people who kept the gutted building safe.

“He sympathised with everyone and allowed them to take whatever valuable they could find from the gutted property,” Koia said.

Vendors started removing iron bars, metal and roofing iron yesterday.

Vadavada resident Simon Kak, who arrived late, said he managed to take some metal posts.

The shop served residents from Manu, Korobosea, Taurama, Sabama, Vadavada and other areas.

Market vendors Maria Malu and Wendy Joel said they lost financially as a result of the fire.

“We’ve lost our bags of cabbages, carrots, potatoes, cucumbers and phone tables when fire gutted the shop,” Malu said.

“Market is our life and we will continue to sell despite the bad smell here.”