Drunks terrorise Hagen despite ban

By YVONNE HAIP
THE illegal sale of alcohol despite a complete ban imposed by Western Highlands Governor Tom Olga is causing problems in residential areas of Mt Hagen, residents say.
Residents from the Wara Kum and Newtown areas have been complaining about the nuisance caused by drunkards who were reportedly vandalising property and terrorising them.
Anis Tiki, a resident at Wara Kum and a leader from the nearby Komkui community, expressed frustrations last week after his 15-seater PMV bus was stoned by drunkards last Monday.
He said he received a K9,500 quotation from Ela Motors to have the vehicle repaired and had already talked to those responsible to pay for the damage.
“There was no argument whatsoever between the residents and the drunkards, they just walked the streets shouting, stoned properties and ended up stoning my vehicle,” he said.
He blamed the sale of alcohol because the ban was not being correctly enforced.
He said in Wara Kum, alcohol was being sold in residential areas illegally and cheaply as and customers from the province, as well as Enga and Southern Highlands frequented the area.
Tiki claimed youths were drinking alcohol, home brew and smoking marijuana to become uncontrollable and caused fear among residents.
He said the disturbance caused by those under the influence of alcohol continued until daybreak but the relevant authorities were doing nothing to contain that.
In Newtown, Albert Mano claimed similar disturbances were occurring and residents were living in fear.
Tiki called on police to carry out random checks in these residential areas and enforce the alcohol ban.
He said there should not be any excuse because it was the police role to ensure the safety of people and property.
He called on the provincial administration to help police and take action to make the ban effective.