By Harlyne Joku
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop yesterday called for prostitution to be decriminalised so it can be regulated.
Mr Parkop said on the FM100 Talk back show yesterday that despite the fact that prostitution was illegal, it is rife in Port Moresby city and happening everyday.
He said prostitution must be “decriminalised and regulated”.
“If it is decriminalised, it is neither legal nor illegal therefore it can be regulated,” he said.
Mr Parkop further disagreed with Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat’s calls for a ban on nightclubs.
He said the ban would only cause nightclub activities to go underground, which would have far worse repercussions.
The Chief censor Steven Nawa also rang in on the Talk back show in support of regulating night club activities.
He said Dr Marat and Governor Parkop must have a round table discussion with his Minister Dame Carol and himself regarding current preparation of legislation on nightclub activities.
He said Dame Carol was aware of the problems and issues surrounding nightclub activities and will be happy to hear Dr Marat and Governor Powes contributions.
Mr Parkop added that illegal activities in night clubs can be contained if NCDC enforced the legislations related to nightclubs.
He stressed banning nightclubs would only worsen the issue of morals.
He said most decent people liked to go to those places ease their work tensions etc and not indulge in illegal activities.
“We need to regulate these activities and not place a total ban,” Mr Parkop said.
He added that the NCDC regulatory and services division does not currently have the capacity to enforce the laws and that he was thinking of outsourcing the division.