Vendors given until Monday to vacate Madang fish market

 VENDORS at the fish market near the two main lakes in Madang town have until Monday to leave because the town administration claims some people are using the market to gamble and sell marijuana.

The informal sector market has been busy with locals and Sepiks selling fresh fish and tobacco, and highlanders selling chicken and betel nuts.

Acting deputy town manager Philip Posanau said the decision was made because too many vendors were using the place for illegal activities.

“The vendors there are using the market to gamble, buy and sell marijuana, drink alcohol resulting in many fights,” he said. 

“They disturb the genuine vendors. This practice must stop. We are therefore asking them to move to either to the Balasigo or Midlers market.”

Midlers market is at the back of the provincial government office but will need major renovation especially its toilet.

At the moment the market is only half full with most vendors coming in the late afternoon to sell their goods. Posanau said work should be completed by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, ward one councillor Izikiel Nanua is concerned about the repercussions this may have on the clean-looking town.

“Betel-nut vendors will stop at nothing to sell and the town will be painted red with huge piles of betel-nut skin and spittle,” he said.