Kaupa eyes wholesale market for betel nuts

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By REBECCA KUKU
A betel nut wholesale market will be set up outside the city before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings begin, says Moresby North-East MP and Housing and Urbanisation Minister John Kaupa, pictured.
He said the market would be set up at 8-Mile to control the flow of betel nut into the city.
“This is an initiative of myself and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop to help control the distribution and prepare for Apec,” Kaupa said.
“We can’t have people selling betel nut everywhere during Apec. So the betel nut wholesale will be set up at 8-Mile.
“Betel nut coming in from Central and Gulf will come through the wholesale market and will be distributed to regulated areas only.”
Kaupa said a piece of land had been identified to build a warehouse for the betel nut.
“Betel nut sellers at regulated markets can then purchase the betel nut and sell them,” he said.
“In this way, we can stop betel nut being sold on the streets and public places.
“Betel nut will be distributed to people who sell at regulated places only.”
Kaupa said this was despite the betel nut ban policy still in place.