Young man helps sellers carry loads to earn ‘clean money’

By LOTTIE WAYAGURE
THE Boroko market provides an avenue for jobless young men in Moresby North-East to earn an honest living.
Francis Paul, a young man who help sellers carry heavy loads to market spots, told The National that he and others came to the market every morning to work as carriers, cleaners and anything else just to earn “clean money”.
“We come to the market every day to help out in any way so we can be paid,” he said.
“It’s fast money and we make K70 to K100 per day – which is good.”
Paul, from Goilala in Central, said he had been doing this for more than 10 years.
He started his trade when he was just 14 at Gordon market and has continued to Boroko.
“I want to encourage other young men to leave crime and look for positive ways to earn an income,” Paul said.
“When there are no more bags or loads to carry, we ask the NCDC (National Capital District Commission) people to help them clear away rubbish at the end of the day.
“They watch us and pay us accordingly.”
Paul said opportunities like filling water holes or muddy areas in the market with soil, especially during rain, were other things they did to get paid.
Augustine Igia, a security officer at the market, said he joined last year when the opportunity arose.
“This has given me an opportunity to provide for my wife and two kids,” he said.
Igia said some of his friends had also found work in the market – which showed they wanted to turn away from a life of crime.
Market security manager Kelly Omo Eremosele said he discouraged and counselled young men about crime.
“We employ boys who show interest in work,” he said.
“We always make time available to talk to them when we see them straying from doing the right path.”
Eremosele said he was happy the outcomes so far and hoped to help the young men forge a better path in life.