“We changed strategy because the Member for Moresby South with the support of the Prime Minister decided to build betel nut market at Koki market so they want to go a different way so we agreed to change strategy," NCD Governor Powes Parkop said.
“We can’t have a market in Moresby South and everywhere else no market so what we have been doing now is identifying location in which betel nut can be sold either in wholesale or retail.
“Betel nut is allowed back but should be sold in specific sites . There are some sites identified at Gerehu and Nine Mile but these are work in process and I hope our management can clarify to our vendors quickly so that everybody can be clear about where to go .
“But definitely in the public places like Downtown Port Moresby, Boroko, at Waigani and Vision City is not allowed. We have not designated those areas for wholesale or retail vending of buai.” “That’s also a challenge especially the rangers have to meet because we changed from ban to regulated sales of buai.”
According to Mr Parkop the management will soon roll out traffic wardens who will be cooperating with traffic office and their duty statement is to stop betel-nut vending at bus stops.
“Another strategy we will be rolling out soon is this new product, his new product of cleanout betel nut stains,” Mr Parkop said, without giving much details.
The governor said the change of strategy is also to give our people the benefit of doubt or another opportunity to show that perhaps they understood why NCD took those extreme measures and now allowed betel-nut to come back so they can be responsible and change their attitudes and behaviors.
Recent incidents in Port Moresby regarding the 'buai ban' policy:
1) Port Moresby police destroy Gerehu suburb Waikele Buai Market and assault vendors.
2) Port Moresby police assault betelnut sellers and street vendors.
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