Port Moresby Gordons Market opening delayed

Gordons market, Port Moresby

By JOYLYNE KARATO

Bad weather in the city since last December has delayed the work on the redeveloped Gordons Super Market which was scheduled to be opened to the public in January this year, according to an official.

The schedule was passed due to bad weather and other circumstances beyond the National Capital District Commission’s control.

Market manager, Charlie Pengi said the recent heavy rain has contributed to the delay in the progress of the construction, adding he is hoping to open the market within this month if he had it his way.

Mr Pengi added that through the support from the UN Women under the Safe Cities program, they have finalized the market policies, by-laws and operational manual which is ready to be implemented after the NCDC board’s approval.

He further said his office had recruited extra man power, so they are currently being trained by the commission’s Human Resource Department on how to write report and control crowd.

“The standard of the new market is very high compared to any other markets in the country and the region as well. We have improved drainage system in place with two main level buildings to accommodate fresh produce vendors, two separate shelters for cooked food and open area for casual vendors including those vending lot-60 goods and meri blouses,” Pengi said.

According to him, there will be an ample space to accommodate about 1300 plus vendors including the seasonal vendors and the Central people.

He said they will use the pre-paid fee collection system which they are currently trialling at Boroko market and fees will vary from fresh produce to cooked food, adding that the seasonal vendors coming from the Central Province, will be exceptional, and therefore, will be included in a separate market arrangement.

They will include them in a different arrangement, he said.
“The daily fee of K2.00 will not be applied, but will use the new fee collection system which will require vendors to pay one-off fees each week.

“We are also trying to remove the wholesale component of the market further out to the new Wild Life and Gerehu market. Retailing will be done at Gordons,” he said.