HONIARA City is still covered with betel-nut stain and rubbish which is described as a threat to the growing population.

As Solomon Islands is moving forward in the tourism industry, betel-nut stain and rubbish is seen as a major obstacle.

Currently, Honiara City Council Law Enforcement team and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force are clearing the streets of illegal betel-nut venders.

The City Clerk, Mr Charles Kelly said betel-nut violates HCC ordinance which comes under littering, and selling them without licence.

“When it comes to betal-nut, HCC don’t stop people from chewing betal-nut but part it offend municipal when you sell betal-nut and take money without a license and other one when you chew and spit and throw-away which comes under litter ordinance,” Mr Kelly said.

Law Enforcement and RSIPF will continue to confiscate venders without licence within town boundary.

However, Clerk said the effect of this ordinance depends on the elected councillors.

“But again it’s up to the council meaning the counselors who have elected, we are just drivers of the ordinance from they talk about,” Mr Kelly said.

In addition to that, City Clerk said the council ordinance is now almost 30 years old, and the HCC are working with the AG’s Chamber to re-visit and review the city ordinance.

He said now Honiara is changing, compared to 20 years ago, and legislators must look at ordinance fitting to the fast growing population of the city.