THE LAUNCHING OF THE NEW MADANG MARKET
”Diversifying
management to encourage growth”
On
Friday, 1st of July 2016, Madang Town came to a standstill. All our
local people converged into the confines of the central business district to
witness the launching of the newly funded K30 million modern town market.
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| Ministers Mao Zemming - Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nixon Duban- Transport and Infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion and His Excellency Morio Matsumoto entering the Madang Town Market Opening |
This market modernization program came about as a result of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Madang Provincial Government (MPG) including Madang District, through the Madang Urban Local Level Government (MULLG) entering into dialogue. It was one of the best initiative ever undertaken during the term of Hon. Nixon Duban, MP, the Member for Madang and the Governor for Madang Hon. Jim Kas, MP with the support of former Mayor Mike Kamo and the former Town Manager Lau Sorum.
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| His Excellency Morio Matsumoto taking gifts from Minister for Fisheries and witnessed by Hon. Nixon Duban |
The proposed market had encountered a lot of challenges during its formative
years. One of which includes attempts to divert the market to another
province when the local Member of Parliament Hon. Nixon Duban, MP stepped in to
secure it once more. Our appreciation must go towards former NFA Managing
Director Mr. Sylvester Pokajam for his astute oversight. He must be commended
for being very supportive of this project.
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| Governor Jim Kas witnessing the ribbon cutting by the Japanese Ambassador and Minister for Fisheries and Duban looking |
It
was more encouraging when Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon. Mao
Zemming, MP demanded that Madang must be a priority destination as both members
were from the People’s National Congress Party. The minister for fisheries and
the member for Madang were very instrumental in ensuring that the market was
delivered on time. While there may be some other players behind the scene,
everyone appeared very satisfied during the opening of the new market.
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| The guests led by the Minister for Fisheries and Japanese Ambassador doing the interior inspection |
The
Member for Madang and his team also played a key role in ensuring that the
market was launched in the most sincerest form. On Friday, 1st July 2016, the
Deputy Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Leo Dion, MP with His Excellency Morio
Matsumoto, the Japanese Ambassador to PNG were the key highlights when they officiated
at the opening ceremony. Amongst the guests who were present were
representatives from JICA and NFA officials plus those from the business
community. A notable inclusion was Pete Celso, CEO of the RD Tuna Canners PNG.
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| The market interiors are very spacious and is filled with good capacity with the most modern facilities |
The
local people also came out in big numbers with loads up to 44 trucks, 30 boats and
34 traditional singsing groups. A total of ten to fifteen thousand people
packed the area to support the launching of the new market. Also on stage were
Demas Saul, Vok Kiatig from Shydeez band and Sharzy who kept the crowd wild and
busy to harmonize the occasion. Although the crowd was huge there were minor
incidents that were quickly contained due to the large number of people locked
into the centre of the town.
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| The planting of the tree by the Japanese Ambassador with Fisheries Minister to commemorate the launching |
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| A handshake by Minister for Fisheries and Japanese Ambassador to signify the strong bilateral relationship |
The
MULLG may raise issues to combat the new arrangement as the custodian of the
old market but the recent protocols have to be followed. Many residents of the
town will agree that the former market was poorly managed and gate takings were
an issue resulting in questions of accountability. Even the public toilets were
not fit for decent use and rubbish drums were a common eyesore. Mothers and
villagers who frequent the markets were treated with contempt and total
disrespect. It was so embarrassing.
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| A massive turnout of 10 to 15,000 people in witnessing the launching of the new market |
People who were not equipped with hospitality and tourism skills ransacked the
market prudence to one that were riddled with a lot of bad memories. There were
no proper storage areas, no clear seating allocations and vendors were
conducting their business with a lot of uncertainty and insecurity. The general
public were suffering from accessing toilets which were maintained by
opportunists collecting fees who could only stand outside and cannot even
provide toilet tissue as an obligation. It was the worst arrangement ever to be
part of the town market.
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| There were more than 34 singsing groups and all Madang town residents in full support of their new market |
Today the NFA and JICA through the reconstruction of the modern town market have ensured better facilities are built. For the first time those who are disabled can now access toilets best designed for them. This is 21st century and after 40 years of independence such a facility comes to Madang Town. It is a shame for MULLG who collects revenue but lacks credible foresight in installing such a facility. The mothers are the worst affected and have been carrying the dreadful shame for many years.
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| The Member for Madang and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Hon. Nixon Duban presenting a bilum to the NFA Managing Director Mr. John Kasu |
Outside the market, the general town lacks clear oversight by the MULLG. Whilst
it’s a pity that such a notion is held, it clearly shows the need to transform
the institution to modern day authority to stay above the challenges. The
demands of any modern townships requires a lot of strategic planning and decent
exposure. Urbanization, municipal growth and general upkeep are no longer a
business of the council alone but broadened to accommodate more public interests and
welfare. In most cities, there are boards being established and authorities
mandated to position the socioeconomic growths levels. These imminent
changes and targets are well overdue for Madang Town.
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| Entertaining the crowd on stage is famous Solomon Islander Sharzy supported by Demas Saul and Vok Kiatig of Shydeez |
The
old Madang Town Market and its upkeep gives us a clear indication of no
legitimate focus on development growth and reduces the confidence on MULLG.
This is not just an understatement but a legacy left behind to be immediately
corrected. In that regard, the proposal to allow the market to be best managed
by a competent authority is in the best interest of the Madang people. The
public of Madang are still hurt over the legacy issues and MULLG is by far the
least preferred oversight agency to force ownership. Even the hygiene
standards, public littering, general health and sanitation inspection are below
average. These are capacity issues raised by NFA and MPG for the good of the
new market.
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| The celebrations were for the whole day with singsing groups and live music to the taste of the crowd |
The people of Madang District are likely to dominate as vendors of the market. JICA and NFA have equally built the fish market with modern storage facilities. Whilst the market belongs to the people of Madang, all our six districts are equal stakeholders. It is now the business of the MPG through the office of the provincial administrator to ensure that such representations are achieved. The local people of Bel Villages must be given a fair share of decision making on the newly established Provincial Market Authority. They will be the biggest provider of fish and other marine resources. Ambenob and Transgogol Local Level Government representatives including the business communities must also be included to provide leadership over the market.
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| Tree Planting by the Minister for Fisheries witnessed by the Japanese Ambassador and other delegates |
It
is therefore important to ensure the newly launched modern market must be well
managed and properly maintained to provide the best opportunity for all our local
people. On that note we would like to thank the NFA and JICA as development
partners for delivering a modern state of the art infrastructure for our people
and to our town. . The people of Madang truly appreciate the people of Japan
for their modesty and generosity.
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| Governor Jim Kas and Japanese Ambassador leading the parade to the grandstand |
