NCDC, Swire partner for 50 days of clean city campaign

The National Capital District Commission [NCDC] Waste Management division has donated wheelie bins to support 50 days of nationwide waste awareness activities leading up to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations.

In a small but significant ceremony at Tarpot, Alu Building, NCDC Community Services Director James Ume and NCDC Waste Management Manager John Navara handed over ten fully kitted 240 liter wheelie bins to Swire Shipping Agency’s Regional Commercial Manager for PNG and Solomon Islands, Ian Stewart.

Stewart said the bins would play a central role in Swire Shipping’s community program.

"These wheelie bins will go to good use under our 50 days of nationwide waste activities to commemorate PNG's 50th Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations,” he said.

The donation forms part of NCDC’s wider effort to promote the “3Rs” campaign; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, across schools and communities in the capital. Navara confirmed that more than 150 wheelie bins had already been distributed to 22 schools in Port Moresby. Each bin has been color-coded and labelled for general and recyclable waste.

"The rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles in the city have led to increased waste volumes,” Navara said. “NCDC, as the city authority, is tasked with protecting public health and the environment by managing these diverse waste streams.

Community Services Director Ume stressed that changing attitudes toward waste disposal was crucial to building a cleaner city.

"Recycling is important, but many citizens are still not serious about it. Papua New Guineans have attitude problems that need changing,” Ume said. “We have to empower people and motivate them to do the right thing. Only through awareness and education will we change mindsets and how our people view rubbish.”

The partnership between NCDC and private companies such as Swire Shipping highlights the importance of collaboration in building sustainable waste management practices while preparing the nation for its milestone 50th Independence anniversary.