Separate craft market for Motus

I refer to the letter “Watch your words, Parkop” (Feb 16) by “Upset citizen” regarding comments I made about market vendors in NCD.
I regret that the comments had upset the writer but this is not my fault.
It was the fault of your reporter who misreported my comments made on FM100 Talkback Radio.
My comments were in regard to vendors of Sepik and Highlands origin dominating markets in NCD was specifically in relation to the craft market at Tabari Place.
I had explained on radio that other vendors at that market from Motu-Koitabu villages and Central province had complained to me that vendors from Highlands and Sepik were dominating the space at that market and pushing them out.
I used that to explain our board’s decision to outsource Boroko market to Central provincial government and our intention to build a specific market for vendors from the Motu-Koitabu villages in the National Capital District.
It is unfortunate that many of your readers did not listen to the explanation over the radio and only read the report of that radio dialogue which your reporter misreported.
I hope this explanation is sufficient to satisfy the writer and I wish him or her well.
 
Powes Parkop
NCD Governor