New Measure to control betel nut in Port Moresby city

The National Capital District Commission in its continuous efforts to maintain a clean betel-nut stain- free city, has introduced a new measure to help regulate the movement of Betel nut into the city.

In a press conference today, NCDC has announced the approval of six new markets in the city to be used for the trading of betel-nut.
Acting Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services, Lulu Ted made the announcement that Waikele market, Six mile market, 9 mile market, Koki market and Epen’s wholesale near Tete Settlement in Gerehu stage six will be the only locations recognized by the Commission.
Also present was Governor Powes Parkop who acknowledged this and also highlighted the need for Betel-nut movement to be regulated in the city.

“Just like alcohol which is prone to abuse in PNG, Betel-nut is also abused by irresponsible people who chew and spit wherever they want to”.
“This is the problem... This kind of mentality is not only detrimental to the beautification of our city and improvement in health, but also it undermines our social values in the community”.
On that note Governor Parkop urged the general public of the city to become responsible chewers and not contribute to the mentality problem NCDC is dealing with.
Mr Parkop made sure to get his point across by appealing to the people in Pidgin so that the message could be felt by everyone.

He said, “Ino osem mi askim yupla lo mekim roket lo go lo mun... or swim lo Sepik River taim em pulap lo Pukpuk... Taim yu baim buai, karim go lo haus na kaikai! Em tasol, nogat moa hevi blo yumi olgeta!”.
(“It’s not like I’m asking you all to build a rocket to travel to the Moon... or swim across a Crocodile infested Sepik river ... Just buy your buai, go home and chew! That is all! No more problems for everyone.
PNGFM / PNG Today Photo: City Hall /Benard S