Clamp down on alcohol abuse in Wabag

 I SUPPORT the letter “Restore confidence in the police force” (The National, Feb 7). 

The issue of alcohol abuse in Wabag is  overdue. 

There is no fear of tribal enemies, criminals or opportunists, but rugged drunkards everywhere in the provincial capital. 

Policemen, politicians, doctors, teachers, public servants, students and unemployed youths are on a drinking spree. 

Elected leaders and law enforcing agencies have gone to sleep for too long after either sponsoring or aiding this illegal activity. 

The provincial government, through its liquor licensing commission, is encouraging liquor trading for political gains. 

The provincial police commander (PPC) is just as useless and apart from a few honest officers, the police have no command, control or strategic plans and  are  fast  becoming push buttons of political leaders. 

The National Liquor Licensing Commission (NLLC) must also be blamed  for issuing licences  to small store owners without due assessments. 

In 2012, an raid on  a  small  trade store led by   then  PPC  Martin  Lakari at Keas village confused  the police,  who were surprised to see the liquor certificate issued by the NLLC. 

This little place commonly known as Pele 2 is right beside the national highway and is in the heart of the community. 

A few churches, elementary school, government houses and public servants have become victims of this illegal trading. 

So much trouble has erupted from this place; a man’s hand was chopped off, houses burnt down, properties destroyed, the highway travelling public harassed, vehicles stoned and girls being raped – just to name a few. 

The village magistrate, church leaders and councillors have reported the matter to the police, but nothing has eventuated. 

It is common knowledge that the owner of the trade  store  are mates  with  the police  who  turn a blind eye with responses like “the licence was issued in Port Moresby, not by the Enga government”, “we will look into it” or the worst is “car  no gat fuel”. 

Can  the  current  PPC,  the  liquor  licensing authority  and local traders do something about these illegal sales and abuse mushrooming? 

Can the NLLC also send one of its officers to access the situation? 

I am sure the officer will not accept bribery but report what is really happing on the ground. 

Victim

Wabag