Women to fight informal market ban

 By FAYE MIKA
A GROUP of women from the Gordon suburb, in Port Moresby, has formed an association to fight the ban on informal markets.
The ban was imposed by city authorities as part of the enforcement of the betel nut ban.
The Gordon Informal Sector Association is to represent the rights of women who depend on the informal sector to support their families.
An association spokeswoman Sana Dokopa said they supported the ban on betel nut sale and consumption in Port Moresby, but were questioning the removal of informal markets that they depended on.
“We are happy with the removal of betel nut sales and consumption in the city because it makes the place filthy and contributes a lot to law and order problems,” she said.
Dokopa said after the ban on betel nut sale, Gordon Market had seen a drop in the number of women being harassed by betel nut sellers.
The association is requesting National Capital District Governor Powes  Parkop to allow the informal business operators to continue their operations.
Parkop has advised the group to obtain identification cards and wear uniforms so that city rangers can identify them.
The women have heeded the advice and last Friday went to get their IDs at Theodist.