Apo Market Gets Official Recognition as Sanctioned Marketplace in PNG's Capital Port Moresby

 The Apo Street Market at Somare Circuit along Waigani Road  in Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby has been formally recognised by the National Capital District Commission as an approved marketplace, giving dozens of vendors a more secure place to conduct their businesses.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop reopened the market during a ceremony attended by senior NCDC officials, community representatives and Lady Emeline Tufi Dadae, wife of Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae. The move places the PNG market among examples of how informal trading can be brought under proper management while supporting small-scale businesses.

Apo Market Gets Official Recognition as Sanctioned Marketplace in PNG's Capital Port Moresby/Photo NCDC Media 

Governor Parkop said Apo Market had demonstrated that street vending could operate responsibly when traders, authorities and the surrounding community worked together.

“This market has earned the right to operate temporarily under NCDC approval. It has set the standard for all other street markets in Port Moresby, showing that with proper management, waste disposal, and community cooperation, informal markets can thrive and contribute positively to our city’s image,” he said.

He said the continued operation of the market would depend on vendors maintaining clean surroundings, managing rubbish properly and paying small daily contributions towards water and waste services.

About 75 traders have also been equipped with tents, tables and chairs through the Apo Market Fresh Produce Association, providing them with better facilities to sell their produce.

Deputy City Manager Edith Laufa and Amazing Port Moresby director Fazilah Bazari were among those present for the reopening, while Lady Dadae attended as guest of honour.

Lady Dadae praised the vendors for their determination and acknowledged the efforts of the NCDC, Governor Parkop and other supporters who helped restore the market.

“As Galatians 6:9 says, ‘Let us not weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ Today Apo Market vendors, your persistence is appreciated and acknowledged,” she said.

Apo Market has long served residents in the area, offering locally grown food and cooked produce including kaukau, cassava, taro, sweet corn, peanuts and kulau.

The reopening is expected to provide a stronger foundation for informal traders while encouraging other street markets in Port Moresby to adopt better standards of cleanliness, organisation and community responsibility.