New Zealand funds USD 6.1 million to UN Women Safe Cities Programme in Papua New Guinea
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The New Zealand Government will support the Safe Cities Programme to carry out a comprehensive redevelopment of infrastructure at Gordons market, the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Murray McCully, announced today.
UN Women PNG Country Representative, Dr. Jeffrey Buchanan, said the funding from the New Zealand Government will enable a complete refurbishment of the capital’s busiest market, through the Safe Cities Programme in partnership with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).
“Hard-working market vendors deserve to have a modern, clean, safe and accessible place to earn a living,” Dr. Buchanan said.
“Under this partnership with the New Zealand Government, the Safe Cities Programme will rebuild Gordons market, utilising all available space to maximise economic opportunities for vendors, customers and the community.”
On behalf of Governor Powes Parkop, who could not attend the event, Minister Justin Tkachenko said, “We would like to thank the New Zealand government for their support of new infrastructure for Gordons market, which will improve the lives of thousands of Papua New Guineans.”
New Zealand’s funding support will be made on a one-to-one basis with NCDC funding, up to a maximum of NZD$7m (PGK16.6m) if needed. The New Zealand Government also stands ready to provide extra technical support for the redevelopment of Gordons market, if needed.
The announcement follows a two-day workshop last month between all Safe Cities Programme partners and technical experts to provide recommendations for the Gordons market redevelopment. The recommendations included an enlarged market site and new market buildings and other facilities. The redeveloped market will also be raised by 1.5 metres and a new drainage system will be constructed to prevent flooding.
New Zealand will be working closely with the Safe Cities Programme to ensure that improvements in infrastructure are coupled with improvements in market management. Safe Cities Programme initiatives for improved management of Gordons market include the ongoing facilitation of vendors’ associations, development and resourcing of cyclical maintenance plans and the establishment of a mobile phone-based vendor payment system.
The New Zealand Government first funded the Safe Cities Programme in 2011, which enabled the initial refurbishment of Gerehu market. This included renovations of market stalls and shaded areas, bathrooms and showers, and installation of potable, running water.
Media Contact
Michelle Alexander, UN Women Media and Communications Advisor , michelle.alexander[at]unwomen.org
+675 321 9855, +675 7030 9437
Notes to editors
The Port Moresby Safe Cities Programme is part of UN Women’s Safe Cities Free of Violence against Women and Girls Global Programme. Port Moresby was selected as one of the five cities for the global pilot initiatives – alongside Quito in Ecuador, Kigali in Rwanda, Cairo in Egypt and New Delhi in India.
In Papua New Guinea, the Safe Cities programme works in partnership with the National Capital District Commission, as well as with local organizations, communities, women and men to improve access to economic livelihoods, and provide safe and clean public market places.
The Safe Cities Programme is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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