BOROKO CBD DECLARED AS BETELNUT FREE ZONE
PORT MORESBY, 26 JUNE 2023: In alignment with NCDC's 2030 Vision for a Clean, Safe, Healthy, and Planned City, Boroko Central Business District (CBD) area was declared today (Monday) as a betelnut freezone.
It equally applies to both private and public transport like Taxis and PMVs.
It means there will be no more selling, buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betelnut as of this announcement.
When announcing the declaration at a media conference, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop said its enforcement takes immediate effect.
Governor Parkop clarified that the selling, buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betelnut are now absolutely prohibited at the Boroko CBD Precincts.
Controlling and regulating of betelnut use promotes cleanliness, hygiene and a healthier environment, said Governor Parkop.
He calls on the business houses and city residents to join NCDC realising its safe, clean, healthy and planned city goals.
Whilst acknowledging that betelnut provides alternative revenues for the people, Governor Parkop described betelnut as a menace to the health, hygiene and cleanliness of the city.
He further stated that betelnut is also a menance to the image of the city and entire country.
Penalties prescribed by NCD BETELNUT CONTROL LAW 2020:
• Trading/selling of betelnut in any form at public places attracts a penalty of K200;
• Buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betelnut in public places attracts a spot fine of K50 each;
• Transportation of betelnut without permit or in excess of allowable limit or in breach of permit terms and conditions attract a spot fine of K1,000;
• Allowing an aircraft or ship to transport betelnut into the city in excess of allowable limit or in breach of permit terms and conditions attract a spot fine of K5,000; and,
• Allowing property, commercial premises or public areas close to premise for storage, sales or chewing of betelnut attract a spot fine of K5,000.
City Manager, Ravu Frank said failure to pay the spot fines will lead to those not in compliance engaging in community works for 2 to 6 hours.
Mr Ravu said those not in compliance would also be prosecuted and tried at the Boroko District Court and if found guilty, they will be imprisioned.
He added that 50 NCDC reserve police would be foot patrolling the area on 9-hour shift with spot fines.
The betelnut freezone concept will be replicated in other CBD areas after monitoring the success in the Boroko CBD area, he said.
Assuriing Governor Parkop and NCDC Management, Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Inspector Silva Sika his men would be deployed full time at the CBD helping NCDC reservists enforce the spot fines and penalties.
He said betelnut was associated bad habit of the people chewing it, not the nut itself.
Sika calls on the city residents to change their bad attitude to chewing betelnut, bringing the city to its former glory.