By Staycey Yalo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Public Place Cleaning Program (PPCP) of the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has been progressing well in Boroko, with local contractors engaging people in clean-a-thons, and providing security during the day and nights for the safety of the general public.
EMTV caught up with three groups of women, cleaning around the entire Boroko area, under the supervision of Senior Environmental officer of NCDC Waste Management, John Navara.
There are about 20 women engaged on the weekends to clean the entire Boroko area. Their task begins as early as 7am every Saturday and Sunday, for the next 4 months.
The PPCP has seen the engagement of local contractors by NCDC, to give an opportunity for unemployed people in the city, to earn something for themselves.
While the cost of cleaning the city continues to be a burden for NCDC, Senior Environmental Health Officer at NCDC’s Waste Management Division says, city residents themselves should start to take ownership of the city as their home, and be responsible for their rubbish.
Waste Management Division at NCDC has provided 40 bins for Boroko, with more yet to come. Mr Navara says, the major challenge in the cleaning Boroko exercise is that people continue to spit betelnut carelessly.
The aim of this exercise is to create a safe and healthy environment in the city for all citizens. NCDC has begun at Boroko as a pilot project and expects to roll-out similar programs in other major centres in the city.
