District to ban alcohol

 ALCOHOL will be banned in the Laigam-Porgera district to cut down on problems associated with law and order, MP Nixon Mangape says.

Mangape said the social effects of alcohol were far greater and he would put a stop to it.

He said alcohol sale in the district was far superior than other businesses because it was the fastest way to make money.

He said as a result of the uncontrolled sale of alcohol, the district had experienced surge in criminal activities, creating insecurity and disharmony among the people and threatening major development projects.

“Alcohol is a major cause of tribal fights and conflicts in the district and in Enga. Alcohol has created so many social issues contributing to poverty, illegal mining, road blocks, HIV/AIDS and family disorder,” he said.

He blamed the Enga provincial government and the provincial liquor licensing commission for breaching the 1989 Memorandum of Agreement of the Porgera gold mine to ban the sale, transportation and consumption of alcohol in the district.

“I have evaluated the pros and cons of the alcohol business and drinking habits of the people and I’m satisfied that alcohol has caused enough problems for the people in my district,” he said.

“The social effects are much greater than the economic value of alcohol sale, it outweighs the gains in the business although people think that it is the fastest way of making money.

“Therefore I will ban alcohol altogether.  The joint district planning and budget priority committee will pass a resolution to ban alcohol completely.”