Waigani Station Commander, Max Makeso has announced that no markets will be allowed to operate at the three main bus-stops in Waigani, Port Moresby as police intensify efforts to maintain law and order and improve public safety.
The affected locations are the Waigani-Morata, Waigani-Tokarara, and Waigani-Gerehu bus-stops.
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Commander Makeso warned street vendors operating at the locations that they would be arrested and charged if caught selling at the bus stops.
The announcement was made during a peace march in Waigani last week, where police highlighted ongoing efforts to promote community safety and harmony.
The operation is being carried out under the direction of NCD/Central Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr. Benjamin Turi.
Commander Makeso said the move forms part of ongoing eviction operations aimed at clearing public spaces, allowing people to move freely, conduct business, and use transport facilities safely.
Police officers are currently carrying out street operations and cleaning public areas around major transport routes, targeting illegal activities and unauthorized market setups.
“We are cleaning the main roads and addressing issues involving betel nut vendors and illegal activities along the main bus stops and roads.”
“A street eviction operation is currently in progress. We are enforcing the law and cleaning the area,” Mr. Makeso told PNG SUN.
He said public spaces must remain open and accessible to everyone, adding that the objective was to create safer areas where commuters, families, women, and young girls could move around without fear.
“Our aim is to create public spaces where there are no illegal markets. We want people to move around freely and safely,” he said.
Commander Makeso said overcrowded areas often create opportunities for crime and disorder, affecting public safety in a busy transit area like Waigani.
“Waigani is a transit area where everybody comes. We want to create an environment where people can move around freely and safely,” he said.
He also encouraged vendors to use appropriate open spaces for trading but reminded them to take responsibility for managing their rubbish.
“People can find their ways to market open spaces, but you must be responsible for your rubbish,” he said.
Commander Makeso said Port Moresby is an inclusive city where people from different backgrounds live and work, and maintaining cleanliness and order is important for everyone.
He called on the community to support police efforts as operations continue to maintain peace, order, and safety around the city’s major bus stops.