The move to ban betelnut, has taken another approach. It will be husked, packed in air tight plastic bags, and sold to consumers.
And the company charged to implement this, is Askopina.
Today, NCD Governor, Powes Parkop signed a service agreement with the company to enforce this.
Efforts to enforce the betelnut ban in the city, have had its fair share of successes and limitations. But the man behind the move, Governor Powes Parkop will not rest until the bad habits associated with the green gold are eliminated.
He plans to achieve this through the partnership with Askopina.
Betelnut has been a source of income for many Papua New Guineans, but the governor urged vendors to venture into other income generating activities.
Under the service agreement, the sale of betelnut will be regulated and licensed by Askopina.
Chief Executive Officer of Askopina, Troy Tetley, says 2000 licensed cottages will be built for vendors to do business.
This initiative hopes to alleviate rural poverty in the Gulf and Central Province by giving them the market for their produce.
Tetley intends to work with NGO’s and other stakeholders to gauge their views on how to effectively drive this initiative.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yNbcleoerFE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
previous post