26/12/2025
Press Statement
Date: 24th December 2025
Chairman Wavik Leads Bold Push to End Homebrew in Hanuabada
In a breakthrough move and for the first time in years, more than ten homebrew producers in Hanuabada have voluntarily surrendered their distillation equipment, signalling a new chapter for the Motu-Koitabu people and marking a symbolic step toward ending one of the most widespread social issues affecting Hanuabada.
The surrender exercise preceded a small operation spearheaded by the Chairman of Motu – Koitabu Assembly (MKA) Russel S. Wavik to address the rampant selling of illicit homebrew and illegal display of alcohol at the Hanuabada roadside market.
For decades, the community’s reputation as one of Papua New Guinea’s most peaceful and law-abiding groups has been overshadowed by production and sales of illicit homebrew, locally known as faiya-wara. The trade has fuelled social issues and tarnished the image of the Motu-Koitabu, particularly in Hanuabada, which has long been regarded as the epicentre of homebrew production.
Chairman Wavik who personally addressed the producers and sellers at the village said it was now time for the people of the Motu – Koitabu to regain their standing and engage in other alternative activities.
He stated that while he is aware of the hardship and challenges that has driven villagers to turn to such activities as homebrew production and illegal sales of alcohol, the MKA is now working tirelessly to establish sustainable strategies including community and social engagement activities to substitute for these illicit exercises.
“We must respect the law and rebuild our community’s reputation. Sustainable strategies, including employment opportunities and social engagement, will help families move away from this destructive trade,” he said.
First volunteer homebrew producer to surrender, 53 year old Nou Ruma said he had been producing and selling homebrew to cater for basic needs for his family – and although he had tried to engage in other small business activities, he found that homebrew sales was the easiest and fastest income generator.
However, he stated that, the initiative taken by the Chairman to personally address them at a village level had convinced him that they (villagers) will be offered sustainable strategies to counter for the illegal exercise of production and sale of homebrew.
Ends…//
