PNG Betel nut sellers want Governor Parkop to compensate for their sales lose

Gulf and Central betel nut sellers. Image credit. Post courier/Getty

Disappointed wholesalers from Gulf and Central provinces that turned up at the Ruburogo Buai wholesale market have not make sales in the last two days.

And they are now calling on the NCD Governor Powes Parkop to compensate them for the betelnuts that have been damaged while waiting for buyers at the market.

The sellers who have been sleeping in their PMVs within the premises of the wholesale market for over two days now are complaining that they have had no buyers since arriving at the market which has affected their goods.

They have expressed frustration over the damaged goods, saying that it would affect their trade and have called for compensation from Mr Parkop.

The sellers have also raised concern on the condition of their living at the market premises which is still undergoing construction.

"We continue to wait here with no toilet facilities, no water system, no food, and no proper place to sleep," they said.

This was confirmed by Joshua Kekao, Ruburogo Buai Market Manager but said the arrival of the sellers from Kerema and Mekeo was earlier than expected.

"Awareness had been carried out that full operations at both markets are to commence by January 8 after the official openings," he said.

"These sellers have come earlier and since we cannot return them, they just have to start selling now."

Gibson Roman, a buai retailer in the city, is one of the very few buyers who turned up at the wholesale since the buai ban in the city.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over the turnout following the buai ban idea, adding that Laloki and Ruburogo were too remote.

"I’ve already purchased my betelnut bags worth K4225 but then I’ve been told to remain and sell here at Laloki," said Mr Roman.

"I’ve been here for two days now and while I wait for customers, the betelnuts are losing quality. This would be a loss for me.

He said the markets were situated too far from the city and suggested they be moved closer to like Nine-mile where the public could feel safer to come.

Meanwhile, a buai check point has already been set up at the Laloki bridge to control the flow of betelnut into the city.

According to Mr Kekao, chewers would be allowed into the city with no more than two kilograms of betelnut. 

PNG TODAY / POST COURIER