Buai plan in pipeline

 NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo are looking into how Motu-Koitabu villages can become betel nut retailers.

Parkop told the Our Mosbi television programme that for city authorities to regulate and license betel nut vending and chewing, there should be more wholesalers and retailers from Central and Gulf. “Isoaimo is equally concerned because it (betel nut ban) affects the livelihood of our people in Mekeo and Kairuku,” Parkop said.

“I am happy to work with him to find a solution which must be good for everyone.”

The concept discussed with Isoaimo is to restrict the import and retail to be carried out in Central and Motu-Koitabu villages.

“We are looking at bringing in more wholesalers and to try out Motu-Koitabu villages as retail points to allow legal sales to take place there. 

“But this will be brought up with the village councillors first,” Parkop said.

Parkop said the betel nut ban in Port Moresby was still in force.

He said the NCD Commission had approved a system in which betel nuts could be sold in the city, which villagers in Central and Gulf were aware of and must respect.

The process involves the obtaining of a license from NCDC’s authorised buai distributor.