by Colleen Barilae – EM TV News, Lae
A small community outside of Lae city yesterday surrendered its homebrew equipment to Lae police.
Lae district’s Hanta community has vowed to ban consumption and sale of homebrew this year.
Lae Metropolitan Chief Superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, said police have embarked on a plan to remove such illegal items during the month of January.
This small community in Lae district has suffered the pinch of violence brought about by the circulation of homebrew.
Women and girls, even elderly men at Hanta have come out clear on the daily problems stemming from the use of homemade alcohol.
Rona Philip, a mother from East Sepik who’s lived in the area for over 30 years, shared her struggles of having to deal with drunks in her community.
“For years, we’ve felt the burden of our own children disrespecting us,” she said.
Lae police, including Chief Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jnr. Also witnessed youths from Lae’s Ahi LLG Ward Nine, giving up their homebrew processing equipment.
Over the years, their Law and Order Committee have worked to maintain order in this area, but continue to face funding constraints.
Simon Silas spoke of the limited financial help the Law and Order Committee members get.
“There has been no recognition from Ahi LLG, Lae district authority or even the provincial government,” Silas said.
Lae city has been known as a crime hotspot over the years.
Most of the violence and criminal activities often being the result of the consumption of homebrew or alcohol.
Now, community leaders are advising youths to weed out alcohol in the community.
