Let us be responsible for our actions

THERE is a perception among members of the public that keeping the streets of our cities, towns and villages clean and in order is a job for the authorities.
The idea that maintaining order and peace, and a balanced state, in society is somehow the public service’s responsibility is not only regressive but detrimental to progress.
Taking care of public walkways, roads and areas used by people of all walks of life on a daily basis is not entirely the state’s responsibility.
The powers that govern at every level of society – whether it be at the ward, local level government, district or province – are there as regulators.
The people themselves should bear the weight of care. But it takes two sides to make it a success.
Papua New Guinea’s major towns and cities are experiencing an unprecedented level of growth in terms of the expansion of the economy and the size of the population.
With these rapid changes come the need to instil in the people a sense of pride and unity.
These are abstract concepts but they are key to keeping order and ensuring that people contribute in a positive way to the communities they live in.
Port Moresby is by far the leader in growth and development and what the capital city’s political leadership under Governor Powes Parkop has been trying to do to bring about change in attitudes is commendable but by no means a solvable problem for the short term.
Bans, restrictions, messaging and controls have been tried since Parkop entered office and by now the governor must realise that regulating the people’s attitude is not something that can be done in a term of office or even two.
It is a generational change which will take place over time, provided there is constant positive reinforcement of the right behaviour. Those in authority find no joy in constantly appealing to people to be responsible.
But unless the city residents take ownership of whatever programme has been initiated, it will not work.
NCDC does not want to revert to the heavy-handed tactics that created plenty of problems and was a public relations nightmare for City Hall some time back.
Therefore, as residents who call Port Moresby home, everybody has a responsibility to do the right thing.
We can start by refusing to buy from vendors who are plying their trade at the wrong places, and not putting away spittle and rubbish in the right places.
What has happened to the rubbish bins installed by NCDC at public places? They have disappeared.
Those who live in Port Moresby need to take ownership of the city and embrace it as if it is their personal property because people have a tendency to take more care when something belongs to them.
It is an uphill battle but it is not something experienced by this city alone. Every city and town in the world has its own issues to deal with.
In many instances, societies that have made headway in achieving peaceful, progressive and harmonious existence are those that have strong and effective policing and a sound, fair justice systems.