The National Capital District Commission and Governor Powes Parkop are set for the Betel Nut (Beai) Ben come 1st of October.
Strict surveillance will be put in public areas, including hefty fines on Public motor vehicles which are found to be harbouringthe commercialization ofthe nut inthe nation’s capital.
Governor Powes Parkop is not backing down, despite threats from various members ofthe public to take a petition againstthe Ben tothe courts.
“It’s not a decision that I want to make and we want to do; our peoplethemselves, boththe sellers andthe chewers forced our hands&hellipthey are responsible for this decision sothey should not blame me or NCDC,” said Parkop.
He clariflied thatthe ban is merely to stopthe consumption of betel nut in public areas anPMV’s. It does not stop residents chewing withintheir own premises.
The ban he says is solely to keepthe city premises clean. NCDC estimates K1 million is spent on cleaningthe city every month.
At this stagethe commission has not yet confirmed spot fine rates. However, Governor Parkop’says it will be most likely be K50 for individuals; while foPMV’s, fine of K1, 000 and for aircrafts K10, 000.
As announced earlier, designated Beai selling spots will be out ofthe city precincts inthe Mekeo area. A market is to be constructed at Ruburogo between Laloki and Brown River.
Overall, Governor Parkop’said looking atthe bigger picture, he saysthe ban is not just a ban; it’s about instilling morals and ethical conduct inthe community.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ysVKSDDTzTk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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