The soon to be imposed city-wide betelnut ban has not trickled down well with those who rely heavily onthe green gold for their sustenance.
Spearheadingthe gthering was NCD Grassroots Network Foundation, an organisation that represents marginalised groups inthe city.In this case, betelnut sellers and those who depend onthe green gold to make money for their living.
The Group’s Executive led by Patron Michael Kandiu, and Executive Director Karl Lakaio were on site to deliberate onthe matter.
Their stand was clear that NCD Governor Powes Parkop had not provided ther alternatives but went ahead to call for the total ban. They have engaged Korowi Lawyers to take upthe people’s case.
The betelnut ban that will be effective come October firstohas not settled well withthe people.
Most ofthem, unemployed mthers and youths, selling betelnut istheir only means of making money to pay for everyday living expenses in Port Moresby as prices of goods and services continue to rise.
thers who supply betelnut from Kerema inthe Gulf province, and Mekeo inthe Central province were also upset thattheir only means of getting money will be cut off.
Youth representatives said ifthe betelnut is banned inthe citythen youths will resort to criminal activities in order to fend for themselves.
The group will meet on Sunday to finalise all formalities and deliberate ontheir next course of action.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop made his intentions known four years ago for a ban onthe sale of Betelnut. He reaffirmed his stance in September this year, calling for a total ban to be effective on October first.
