Village women want market, raise K2,000

By GYNNIE KERO
WOMEN in Haniak village, Yangoru-Saussia district in East Sepik want markets to sell garden produce.
“We have the best fruits and vegetables. The best pineapples are grown in Haniak. But we do not have space at the Wewak town market,” villager Mary Huambana said.
She said the village women had raised K2,000 to build a proper market shelter at the village along the Sepik Highway.
Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru who visited the village on Sunday told the women that building markets was one of the district’s ways of empowering women in the informal sector.
“We (district development authority) are on a mission to replace all haus morota (sago-thatched roofs) in all markets along the Sepik Highway.
“I’m proud of the people taking the initiative to start the market project. The district will contribute roofing irons.”
Maru also noted the concern over the lack of clean drinking water during the dry season.
He explained to the people of Haniak and Munji villages the district’s Wash policy and advised them to form a water committee.
“The water committee will work with each family to pay their 10 per cent equity (K600) so that the DDA can install tanks,” Maru said.
“Minimum target is 100 families per village.”
The health centre for Haniak people built at a cost of K600,000 is expected to be opened next month.