Party leader appeal over betel nut ban

Normal, Papua
Source:

The National, Monday February 10th, 2014

 A POLITICAL party leader has appealed to National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop to consider the welfare of betel nut sellers from Gulf and Central.

Dr Wari Iamo, the National Alliance Party deputy president in Papua, said these people depended on betel nut sale to earn their living.

Iamo said Parkop had promised Mekeo chiefs and people that there he would come up with a win-win situation for everyone.

“How can he call it win-win when Mekeos are not allowed free movement into the capital city?” Iamo said.

“Legally, the NCDC has the power to control the sale of betel nuts but has no power to ban the sale of betel nuts in the city.

“I call on Parkop to repeal his unilateral and draconian betel nut ban which discriminates against Mekeo and Gulf people.”

Parkop has assured the people of Gulf and Central that the betel nut ban in the city should not affect their source of income.

Parkop said betel nuts brought into the Ruborugo and Laloki markets for sale would be bought by the NCDC at the normal wholesale price if they were not sold or if the seller wanted to return home early.

“I have put mechanisms in place to cater for the betel nuts you will be bringing into Ruborugo and Laloki,” Parkop said.