Security concerns at Gordon Market

TWO years ago, we welcomed the news on the redevelopment of the infrastructure at Gordon Market in Port Moresby.
However, to date, a lot is still desired in terms of security concerns at that market both for the vendors and users.
In full view, the public stands helpless as thugs pull at someone’s bag, pull a knife on someone and empty’s off whatever little is their pockets, youths consume alcohol freely and the list goes on.
From what has been reported over the years, even the closure of the market and bus stop areas did little to end this madness.
That area has always been described as dangerous and a petty crime hub for thugs.
The Gordon bus stop area has become a zone for criminals who are looking for an easy way out.
A police reservist was wounded with a knife by a street vendor some time back.
It was alleged that the officer was on duty, removing street vendors when he was attacked by a vendor with a knife.
The suspect escaped after the attack.
Many others who were victims of what happens at the market and bus stop area will tell their tale and how they detest that place.
Some go and make an official complaint at the police station while many just let it go knowing nothing much can be done.
One can imagine the complaints of daily harassment, fights, petty thefts and rape attempt but our police obviously don’t have the manpower to cope with the crime situation there.
The redevelopment of the infrastructure at the K30 million market was counter-funded by the New Zealand government and National Capital District Commission (NCDC).
New Zealand contributed K15 million.
The redeveloped Gordon Market, when combined with ongoing improvements to the market’s management, will deliver real benefits.
The new market is expected to be more efficient, safer and cleaner.
Fast forward, the redeveloped market could be seen as complementing the ‘safe cities free of violence against women and girls’ programme which sees Port Moresby as one of the five cities around the world to participate in.
The purpose of the project was to create a safer city by reducing violence and empowering women in market places through: increased capacity of duty bearers to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls; increased respect among market users; enhanced infrastructure, management and operational measures in the market that prevent this violence; and, increased capacity of the media to report on cases of violence against women and girls.
For this project to really serve its purpose in the new market, security must be provided to the people whether they were going to the market or conducting their daily business.
The excuse that offenders are drug addicts, unemployed youths from broken homes or ordinary man, must not be accepted as norm, those who use the market must never be harass in any way.
The bus stop must be moved away from the market area and loafers be cleared. Otherwise, it becomes another haven for thugs.