Businesses told to keep premises clean

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE Kokopo-Vunamami Urban local-level government (LLG) has called on business houses in Kokopo to keep their premises clean and free from rubbish.
City manager Freddy Lemeki, in a circular issued last week, said Kokopo was the fourth city in the country and a major tourist hub so it had to be kept clean, tidy and orderly.
“Since Kokopo has been declared the fourth city in the country and a tourist hub, waste management is the focal implementation programme of the LLG,” he said.
“Therefore, all business houses are responsible for proper storage of their rubbish and cleanliness of the shops in the back, middle and front yard.
“Always make sure that before opening your shops and closing, check your premises to ensure it is clean.
“This is necessary to promote a healthy and clean city and also attract a lot of visitors.”
Lemeki’s advice came after a monthly clean-a-thon campaign initiated by the East New Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Some business houses in Kokopo, however, have urged the LLG to provide more rubbish bins and send in the council’s dump truck to collect garbage on time.
One business owner, who did not want to be named, said the council’s rubbish trucks often did not come on time, resulting in waste pilling up and overspilling.
He said to make matters worse, stray dogs and cats, human beings and nature often spread the waste when not removed quickly.