Moresby North East Holdings, the business arm of Moresby North East District and National Capital District Commission have officially opened a Betelnut Wholesale market at 6-mile recently.
The 6-mile market next to the Incubation centre was licensed by NCDC to operate as a wholesale for betelnut sellers from Mekeo and Kairuku to sell their betel-nut produce.
The wholesale license was presented to Mr Peter Philip Director of Moresby North East Holdings by Ms Janel Awa, Director for NCD Community and Social Service.
During the launching Moresby North East member John Kaupa said it took them 6 months of tireless efforts to meet prepare the market to a standard where it meets the requirements and standards put by NCDC market board in order to acquire a formal license to operate.
The new market has an ablution block for male and female, shower and also a safe place for the betelnut sellers travelling in to have their rest before doing business.
Mr Kaupa urged all the betelnut buyers and sellers who were present at the launching to take full responsibility of the facilities and to befriend the producers from Kairuku and Mekeo as well as other Central Province betelnut growers who want to sell their produce in 6-mile Betelnut Wholesale.
“If we destroy the facilities or if we cause nuisance in and around this new whole sale market than we will simply loose our licence to operate because this licence is only for 6 months.”
Kaupa also reminded the people of Moresby North East that despite several attempts by NCDC and NCD to ban betelnut in the past, that’s because of the rubbish betelnut cause around the Nation’s Capital.
“Sell betelnut at the right place, buy betelnut at the right place, chew at the right place and spit at the right place, these are just basic rules that all chewers must always remember.”
Mr Kaupa further thanked Mr Steven Ani who is the president for the Kairuku Betelnut growers for coming onboard to mark 6-mile Wholesale as their market.
He further stated that all PMVs carrying betelnut and is bound for 6mile Mile Betelnut Wholesale will be issued trading permit.
“We want to make this place safe and friendly, so our friends from Kairuku and Mekeo can come here and sell free and go back home safe, plus you buyers do not have to risk your lives to go out and look for betelnut bags.”