BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The illegal sale of betelnut and cigarettes continues in Auki town, despite efforts of Malaita provincial authorities who attempted to stop it several times.
The street sale of both betelnut and cigarettes is prohibited in Auki, as the provincial authorities actively enforce town ordinances that ban these items from being sold on the streets to maintain public order and town cleanliness.
Speaking to the paper, a 42-year-old woman who requested not to be named said they will never stop the sale of both betelnut and cigarettes because it is their only source of income for family survival.
She said if the authorities want to put an end to the sale of betelnut and cigarettes, job opportunities must be provided to engage people and help them earn an income.
She added that they will not stop when they have nothing to generate income for their families’ survival and to afford daily essentials like school fees.
“We can’t stop the sale of betelnut and cigarettes because these are the only fast-generating income items in the province, and even in the country.
“If authorities want us to stop it, they must provide a workplace for us to work at and earn income for our families,” she said.
A 21-year-old youth also expressed the same sentiment during an exclusive interview with the paper yesterday.
He said the sale of his betelnuts and cigarettes every day is how he supports his parents in paying for his younger brother’s and sister’s school fees and food.
He said since he didn’t succeed in his education, he can only support his family through earnings from his sales.
“I feel regret and sadness when my parents fail to pay for my schooling. So, after leaving education, I just want to help my parents support my younger brother and sister.
“From my earnings is what my family can afford for food for a few days and to pay for my younger brother and sister’s school fees,” he said.
When asked whether he would stop selling prohibited betel nuts and cigarettes, he said he does not think so, as this is what he depends on to generate income for his family.
A recent report from provincial security officer Justine Masia said they will not stop their patrols in Auki town to chase people involved in the illegal sale of betelnuts and cigarette.
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