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Editorial, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday 23rd April 2013

 IF you observe how cleaning contractors work, you will notice the workers sweep all the rubbish into a pile before dumping everything into the nearest drain. Guess what happens when there is a heavy rain – the drain is blocked and water overflows onto the road causing flash floods. Then the National Capital District Commission goes and gives the contract to another contractor to clean out the drain. Some people really need to learn and know the importance of having drains.

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AND it is high time city authorities start planning and to work on improving the drainage system in the capital city. Flash floods occur at the same areas every time there is a heavy downpour and nothing has been done to correct it. Typical attitude we have today; let us wait until someone gets dragged into the drain then everyone reacts and starts working on it.

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PORT Moresby is doing well if its intention is to take over from Lae the title of “pothole city”. With more vehicles in the city and a spell of rain, more and more potholes are “opening up” on the city’s roads. It seems city authorities appear in no hurry to fix the problem.

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GORDON market still is being ignored by the city market authorities. Rubbish is being dumped all over the place except where it is to be discarded. Garbage is piling up and the public toilet there is a mess and very unhygienic. The car park has been taken over by hooligans and market security guards have become fee collectors instead of ensuring a safe and conducive environment in the market. Where are the authorities? 

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TAKE a look around when you are in travelling on the road either in a vehicle or walking. Count how many drivers break simple traffic rules such as not putting on indicators when turning, driving through a red light, making a U-turn when they are not suppose­d to; stopping in the middle of the road to have a chat with a friend and driving while talking on the mobile phone. You will be amazed with the number. 

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THE St John Blood Service is desperately in need of blood and is appealing to the public to donate. It has enough blood in the bank for a day but if there is a major disaster where a 100 people need blood, the bank will not be able to meet that demand. The publi­c is advised to drop into the blood service centr­e at 3-Mile to donate blood.

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BLOOD transfusion saves lives and improves health. But many patients requiring transfusion do not have timely access to safe blood. The need for blood transfusion may arise at any time in both urban and rural areas. The unavailability of blood has led to deaths and many patients suffering from ill-health.

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