Painting the town red

I was on the bus this morning when I noticed the number of people chewing betelnut and spitting without a concern for the world.

This is a major regressive habit that has been declared as public enemy No. 1 by National Capital District governor Powes Parkop.

It has become so acceptable that the authorities do not haul up anyone who defaces public properties, bus-stops, walkways, roads, buildings and even government offices with betelnut spit.

Betelnut chewing habit affects work ethics, cleanliness, and hygiene and the red stains have become an eye-sore on our streets, roads, airports, shops, markets and office buildings.

Some years ago, Singapore banned chewing gum when it became a problem with proper disposals.

Anyone caught doing so faced a fine.

Governor Parkop’s message to rid Port Moresby of the eye-sore betelnut stains and careless spitting habits should be seriously adhered to by all concerned citizens to see changes not only in our capital city’s image but the country in general.

And this should be taken seriously by all citizens in other provinces as well and not just Port Moresby residents.