Address homebrew issue in Hanuabada

Letters

I SEE that the Motu-Koita people are not doing enough to outlaw homebrew production and consumption in Hanuabada village, which is located in the heart of Port Moresby.
This has been going on for years.
Homebrew production and consumption has been around even before the locals decided to ban police presence after a shooting and killing incident in the village some years ago.
Recently, someone posted an article on Facebook about the sale and consumption of liquor in Hanuabada, which attracted a lot of comments as to the normalcy of the practice.
While people have their own opinions, I think Hanuabada and its population are not living in a different country.
They still access goods and services from other parts of the city including health and education so they should observe the rule of law and order regardless of their special circumstances.
The production and consumption of homebrew has been widely criticised.
It is considered bad for the economy.
It competes against the liquor industry and takes away jobs and income taxes on profits and wages.
National Capital Governor Powes Parkop says that the economy is in a precarious situation and the city is not ready for a possible lockdown should a second wave of Covid-19 strikes.
I think Parkop’s concern calls for more actions to grow the economy, including efforts to create more jobs and improve tax collection systems.
I think the liquor industry in Port Moresby need more regulation from authorities including the Motu-Koita Assembly if the regional government is more focused on efficiency in tax collection and job creation.
Motu-Koita assembly benefits from the National Capital District budget.
The assembly has been utilising the funds to address indigenous concerns such as land grabbing and business opportunities.
However, I think it would be better if the Motu-Koita Assembly clean up its backyard in Hanuabada and get rid of homebrew and other illicit items to support the Government’s endeavour to create jobs and collect taxes.
At the moment, Hanuabada and Motu-Koita Assembly are partially riding free on whatever liquor tax paid for by residents in other parts of the city.

Concerned Resident