Hagen market security to be tightened

Police in Western Highlands are calling for stronger security measures at Mt Hagen Main Market, as the market prepares to reopen following its recent closure.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom says security must be treated as a top priority to protect market vendors, customers and businesses operating in and around the facility.

Chief Superintendent Sagom has outlined a number of security measures to the Hagen Market Board and management in a meeting earlier this week, saying strict controls will be needed to maintain order and prevent criminal activities.

He also says police have agreed with the market management to strengthen the security presence by deploying police reservists and Mobile Squad personnel to the market area.

Sagom adds access into the main market should also be reduced, with only three or four gates kept open.

He says this will allow police to better control and monitor people entering and leaving the market.

Another key measure is a ban on knives and other sharp objects inside the market.

Police are expected to search people entering through the gates, market vendors will also be required to comply with the restriction.

"While police and councillors are carrying out security checks inside the market area for knife or any dangerous objects, those sellers who sells goods like pineapple and sugarcane, will also be required not to carry or use their knives in the market.

"This is to make sure that when a fight or quarrel sparks in the market, this objects are not easily accessible," Sagom stressed.

Sagom is also calling for a holding cell to be established within the market premises.

He says people caught breaching market rules could be held there while awaiting court appearances and prosecution.

The police commander reiterates that the so-called “market taxis” or market helpers should also not be allowed inside the market.

He says the sale of illegal drugs must be strictly prohibited, with people entering the market thoroughly checked.

Sagom has also proposed the establishment of a permanent police post inside the market and the installation of CCTV cameras across the market premises.

He says while the measures may appear extensive, they are necessary to protect the welfare and safety of everyone using the market.

Sagom elaborates the recent closure of the Hagen Market affected everyone, including vendors, farmers, customers and business houses, but there was little they could do other than wait for the market to reopen.

He is now appealing to the market management to strictly enforce city rules and regulations.

Sagom adds management must not fear or favour anyone with an interest in the market, stressing that the safety and welfare of the public must come first.