Hagen market to reopen on Monday

Mt Hagen's main market, also known as the food basket of the Pacific, will reopen to the public on Monday, November 9, after remaining closed for nearly three weeks following a death linked to an incident inside the market.

The closure has disrupted the livelihoods of hundreds of farmers, market vendors, producers and consumers who depend on the market for their daily income and food supplies.

The market also provides an important trading space for subsistence farmers and small-scale sellers who rely on it to support their families.

However, following a 'bel-kol' compensation arrangement by the market board and management with the deceased's tribe, tensions have eased, paving the way for the market to reopen.

The deceased was from the Jika Palga tribe, whose councillor, Michael Paul, has confirmed the tribe's position on the reopening.

"As the ward member of Kunka Palga tribe, I have released and agreed to reopen the gates of Hagen Market for normal business."

"We leave now everything on the hands of the police, the market management and the board and assures that no one in my tribe or community would do anything in the market," Paul says.

Meanwhile, Wamp Nga Group of Companies chairman and Hagen Rural LLG president, Paul Pangum, says the prolonged closure has affected many people but should also serve as a lesson to the market management.

Mr Pangum stressed management must improve its operations, strengthen security and ensure the market provides better services to the public.

He says the new management, under Hagen Two Investment manager Peter Noki, will introduce changes to the market's administration, management and workforce.

" Now with the new market management, as the Chairman of the market board I would want to see the removal of the old workforce and incision of new ones and also for the market management to work closely with the police and councillors to control and minimize law and order issues in and around the Hagen Market."

Mr Pangum has apologised to farmers, vendors and consumers affected by the closure, saying he shares their concerns and regrets the hardship they have faced.

He assures market users that changes will be made to improve the market's operations once it reopens on Monday.

He has also challenged Mr. Noki to enforce the new measures firmly and manage the market without fear or favour.

Earlier this week, the Mt Hagen main market management met with councillors representing the affected tribes and police to discuss the way forward for the market's operations.

The reopening of the market will gradually see a restoration for a major trading centre for Mt Hagen and surrounding communities, while the new management faces the challenge of ensuring the market operates safely, efficiently and in the interests of all market users.