Sabeto Takes Lead to Mitigate Fight

A village in the West is taking the lead to mitigate the prevailing social problems in the country.

The Vanua O Betoraurau Sabeto is placing strict measures in its village to safeguard their children.

At the entrance of Sabeto Village stands a sign board that cannot be missed with bold instructions that include: 

•  Children and students are not allowed to move around inside the village after 9pm;
•  All entrances or gates to the village shall be closed after 10pm.

Village headman Josefa Naikovea said the Momo na Tui Sabeto, Ratu Viliame Mataitoga, was serious about these measures.

“One of the concerns that we have is the use of illicit drugs with needles being found in the five villages in the Sabeto area,” he said.

“We have placed these laws because our children are vulnerable. They can be used by outsiders to bring in these drugs.

“After the Tui Sabeto was installed early this year, he conducted a meeting with the seven Yavusa heads under the Vanua o Betoraurau.

“These laws are a directive from the Tui Sabeto.

“We are doing this to safeguard our children who are our future for tomorrow.

“Our traditional leaders stand to protect their people.”

He said all the village heads in the Vanua O Betoraurau Sabeto were working together on the war on drugs.

Mr Naikovea said disciplinary actions would be actioned for those who did not abide by the laws.

During the Ba Provincial Meeting in Namoli, we were encouraged to set up strict laws for these illicit drugs issue.

If anyone is caught in these illicit drugs dealing, he or she will be removed from the village.

“We have been briefed on how every villager needs to know how important this fight is against drugs,” he added.

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