Vendors question berthing fees

BOAT operators from coastal and island villages of Wewak say they are paying K10 to K20 to berth at the Laura Martin market jetty to offload vendors.
The operators queried the fees charged at the small jetty and called on the market management to justify charging them so much.
They said PMVs parking outside the market to unload vendors were not charged anything.
They said it was normal for boats berthing at the main jetty near the ice plant to pay a berthing fee when fishermen arrived to collect ice or offload their catches.
They said there should be no fees charged at the small jetty at the market.
Market and jetty public relations officer Paul Hukahu said the office was not aware of the fees being charged at the Laura Martin market jetty.
Speaking on local radio last Friday, he said no fee should be charged at the jetty.
He said it was illegal practice and the work of opportunists.
Hukahu called on boat operators to report the culprits to the market management and police.
Hukahu said the small jetty was part of the market development paid for by Japan.
He said only vendors should a market fee at the gate before entering the facility.