Betel nut ban still in place

 NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says the betel nut ban is still in place in the city, particularly in city centre and residential areas.

Parkop said NCDC had exhausted much of its resources in the recent Pacific Games, but with its budget passed and soon to be signed off, it should re-emphasise the ban.

“The problem again, we put a lot of our resources into preparing for the Pacific Games and we have exhausted those resources a bit.

“Now that we have restored the budget, we will start doing the enforcement again.”

Parkop said NCDC closed down the illegal market at Malaoro and similar markets in Gerehu, Rainbow, 5-Mile and Boroko Drive would also be closed.

“The long-term plan is that we will allow betel nuts back in the city in the Motu Koita villages.”

Parkop said problems with betel nut selling and chewing were not just the ugly sight of it but the bad culture associated with it.