Take complaints to governor: Official

 ANY comments, complaints and queries regarding the betel nuts ban in Port Moresby should be discussed at the National Capital District Governor’s office instead of going in the media,an official says.

That is the message from Governor Powes Parkop’s executive officer, Terence Moka. 

“My office is always open for the people of NCD,” Moka said.

“All betel nuts sales and chewing will be done in Ruburogo, Laloki and Agevairu markets on the Hiritano Highway, outside of Port Moresby, starting early next year.” 

He said the NCDC enforcement unit had the power to enforce the ban and warned people of the penalties they could face.

His remarks follow concerns about the conduct of enforcement it officers policing the ban. Rocky Paul Depo, a third-year University of Papua New Guinea banking and finance student and youth leader at Gerehu Stage 4, said the enforcement unit was harassing people unnecessarily.

Wilson Loo, a second year environmental science student, who lives near Waigani Tyre Service, said he witnessed confiscated betel nuts and cigarettes being distributed to the public by members of the unit.

David Herman, a third year business management student and youth leader in North Waigani, said sellers at the Waigani- Morata bus stop sold betel nuts in the presence of the officers. 

“The officers are compromising their duty, which is unacceptable,” he said.