Maru calls on NCDC to close Gordons Market

Gordons Market Port Moresby

YANGORU-Saussia MP Richard Maru  has called on National Capital District Commission to close down the Gordon market and relocate it to a safer location in the city.

He described the market where police officer Clifford Yambeningi from his district in East Sepik was stabbed to death last Thursday as an eyesore. He said it created a bad image of the capital city for visitors from abroad and a haven for criminals.

The officer was stabbed while trying to get on a bus to return to Bomana College after work.  Maru urged NCD Governor Powes Parkop to close Gordon market for good. 

He described the killing of the officer as totally unwarranted, unnecessary, cowardly and barbaric.

He said he was the second man from Yangoru-Saussia to be murdered there.

“Enough is enough, we have lost so many lives not only from Yangoru but from other provinces as well. Women have been harassed, threatened, stabbed and raped by the same thugs who live and thrive on stealing and murder at the market which is a big business for them,” Maru said.

NCDC deputy city manager Honk Kiap said Parkop and the city manager were in Lae for the PNG Games and he was not in a position to make a ruling on the closure of the market.

He said the market would be closed for an indefinite period while they assessed the situation.

NCD-Central police commander Assistant Commissioner Jerry Frank supported Maru’s suggestion to close the market permanently.

“Gordon market is a criminal haven. Resources continue to be centered on this area. We will support the call by the minister,” he said. PNG Today/ The National