A village in the western region of the country is taking proactive steps to address social issues affecting the community. The Vanua O Betoraurau Sabeto has implemented strict regulations to protect its children.
Prominent at the entrance of Sabeto Village is a sign displaying clear instructions, including:
– No children or students are permitted to move about the village after 9pm.
– All entrances and gates to the village will be closed after 10pm.
Village headman Josefa Naikovea emphasized the commitment of Momo na Tui Sabeto, Ratu Viliame Mataitoga, to these measures. He expressed concern over the rising use of illicit drugs, noting that needles have been discovered in the five villages within the Sabeto area.
“We have instituted these laws to protect our children, who are vulnerable and may be exploited by outsiders to transport drugs,” he stated. Following the Tui Sabeto’s installation earlier this year, a meeting was convened with the seven heads of Yavusa under the Vanua o Betoraurau to discuss these regulations.
“These laws are a directive from the Tui Sabeto,” Naikovea remarked, stressing the importance of safeguarding the community’s future. “Our traditional leaders are dedicated to protecting their people.”
Additionally, he mentioned that all village leaders within the Vanua O Betoraurau Sabeto are collaborating in the fight against drugs. Disciplinary actions will be enforced for those who fail to comply with the established laws. During a recent Ba Provincial Meeting in Namoli, there was an encouragement to establish stringent laws addressing the drug issue.
Individuals involved in the illicit drug trade will be expelled from the village. “Every villager must recognize the critical nature of this battle against drugs,” Naikovea concluded.