The National Capital District Commission (NCDC), in partnership with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), has launched a city-wide enforcement operation to cease unauthorised and unregulated street vending across Port Moresby.

National Capital District Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, alongside Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi, announced the crackdown during a joint press conference at City Hall on Friday 13th November. 

Street vendors operating along roadsides, traffic lights, and in unregulated markets in Port Moresby have been called on to stop trading following the launch of a city-wide enforcement operation by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).

NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, joined by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi, made the announcement during a press conference at City Hall in Port Moresby.

Governor Parkop said the enforcement is necessary to address the concerning rise of unauthorized vendors operating along major roads, traffic intersections, roundabouts, and public spaces, which has raised serious concerns about public safety and the orderly management of the city.

NCDC is now moving forward to establish structured market management systems that balance public safety, proper urban planning, and opportunities for genuine vendors.

Markets that will be removed include Rainbow roadside market, 9-Mile roundabout, 9-Mile Morobe, Taurama Valley, Downtown Central Business District, 6-Mile roundabout, Taurama/Vadavada roadside, and Suksuk market. Additionally, makeshift structures at the Manu firewood market will be removed, while the market itself will be retained and regulated for firewood vending before being relocated at a much later date.

Vendors affected by the enforcement exercise will be redirected to six approved municipal and community market facilities: Saiwara Market (9-Mile Morobe Block), Lareva Market, Saraga Market, 8-Mile Incubation Centre (Note: please confirm if "mile Incubation center" is 8-Mile or 9-Mile), Meoreoa Market, and Gabi Village Square.

Governor Parkop said vendors will only be allowed to operate if they hold a permit issued by NCDC and sell within a regulated and authorized area.

“All informal vendors will be required to register with NCDC and obtain an official municipal permit. The permit will specify the approved category of goods vendors are authorized to sell and the designated location where they may operate,” Governor Parkop said.

“Commercial and retail vending activities conducted within residential neighborhoods must also obtain formal municipal permits to ensure compliance with zoning, hygiene, and community standards. Operating without the required registration and permit will not be permitted.”

NCDC has formally requested operational assistance from ACP Benjamin Turi, noting that police collaboration is essential in managing the removal of unauthorized structures, addressing non-compliance, and preventing disruptions during relocation activities.

ACP Turi confirmed that police will carry out a two-week public awareness campaign instructing vendors to vacate unauthorized areas, after which a strict zero-tolerance enforcement operation will commence following 30 November 2026.