By Fabian Hakalits – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Accumulation of waste or rubbish in front of many shops operating in the national capital has raised concerns among the general public.
And, many have questioned if there are certain laws in place to penalise shop owners who fail to keep their shop fronts clean.
“The accumulation of rubbish or waste around shop areas in Papua New Guinea’s capital city, Port Moresby, is sickening and raises questions about the existing laws of waste management and food safety,” one man said.
EMTV visited East Boroko, where foreigners operate most shops.
Residents living at East Boroko told EMTV News that rubbish continues to accumulate in front of these shops. When questioned, shop owners said they were paying money to National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to remove rubbish.
Bunua Talava from Simbu Province works at a bakery in the area and in his time cleans around the shop area.
“Shop owners have become irresponsible, dumping waste in front of their shops,” he said.
We also spoke with Joe Paul who said that NCDC must come out clear, and ensure these specific laws are followed.
“We call on the National Capital District Commission to penalise shop owners, for failing to manage their disposal of waste,” he said.
“Are these shop operators complying by the laws. If those responsible authorities do not do their work, they must also be penalised, because at the end of the day, the general public are the consumers of those food,” Paul added.
EMTV was unable to get a response from NCDC.
