East New Britain cleans up to prepare for influx of visitors for Games

By Grace Tiden

There have been cleanup campaigns in the urban areas of East New Britain for the last couple of weeks in preparation for the 5th PNG Games starting on November 19.

More than 7000 visitors will be coming into the province for the Games and urban authorities are making sure the towns are clean.

Workmen repainting a curbing on roundabout in Kokopo, ENB.

In Kokopo, various groups were and have been engaged to take part in the program. Kokopo/Vunamami Urban Local Level Government acting Senior Health Inspector Gamaliel Ersiut has been at the forefront of the provincial capital’s cleanup program.

“We engaged prisoners from the Kerevat Correctional Institute to cut grass along the main road from Tokua Airport to Kokopo. They did a very good job which is part of their rehabilitation program,” he said.

Streets cleaners were also hired to cleanup the Williams Road in Kokopo as well as drains.

Other groups were also engaged to plant flowers and redo road signs. Mr Ersiut said the program will continue until the games began.

A circular was also sent to business houses in Kokopo to cleanup up their premises. He said they have been conducting awareness to the general public for the last couple of weeks especially through the local radio station.

“Rubbish drums have been provided by Coca-Cola Amatil,” he said adding that the general public should use and look after these drums.

Motorist and the traveling public should also refrain from litering especially along the Williams Road in Kokopo.

“If they have rubbish, take it home and dump it in a proper bin. There are people who are ignorant. The K20 spot fine still stands,” he said.

Rule inspectors or securities will be engaged to monitor the upkeep of the town before and during the games. Urban authorities in Rabaul Town have also been carrying out similar programs in preparation of the games.