Work starts on two markets for buai sales

 THE construction of two designated markets for betel nuts outside Port Moresby have started as part of the plan to enforce total ban in the capital city from January.

The Rururogo wholesale market and the Laloki retail market are located along the Hiritano Highway.

Betel nut growers will sell their bags of betel nuts there.

The Ruburogo betel nut market will be responsible for supplying bettle nuts to buyers at a wholesale price.

Kassampy Construction Limited is building the markets, assisted by small landowner companies who are benefiting from general labour work and other spin-off benefits.

Site supervisor Mathias Yalbrua said they started work three weeks ago and hoped to finish by the end of next month.

“The newlook wholesale market will include an ablution block, water reservoir comprising eight 3,000litre tanks and a standby generator to supply electricity around the market area,” Yalbrua said.

“Rururogo is a very dry place and the water tanks will cater for the buyers, sellers and the general public visiting Ruburogo betel nut market.  The market will also house four storage containers for wholesalers.”

Billy Arogo, of the Asiri-Momiri clan, said they allowed National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop to build the betel nut market on their land because keeping the city clean should be everyone’s business.

The Laloki retail betel nut market is undergoing construction by Philpap International Constructions Limited. Work is expected to be completed next month.

The Laloki retail betel nut market will be used for retail and general selling while the Ruburogo wholesale betel nut market will be used as a wholesale trading centre. 

Growers from Gulf and Central will do their betel nut business at these designated markets only.