Dumping of syringes worry Sipaia villagers

Lae News, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 02nd December 2011

By ELLEN TIAMU
A COUNCILLOR from Sipaia village on the coastal fringes of Lae, Morobe, is concerned about the disposal by the hospital of medical syringes into the sea.
John Galang said the hospitals and other organisations dealing with dangerous drugs and instruments should dispose of such items safely so that they did not damage the environment or pose a danger to people.
Galang said villagers at Wagang (Sipaia) became concerned after medical syringes of different sizes were washed ashore on Sunday morning.
Some still contained blood.
Galang said everyone, including children, used the beach and could end up handling the contaminated syringes. Three full bags were collected.
Wagang villagers are also appealing to the public to refrain from using the beach for recreational purposes while Lae was still declared a fighting zone.
Galang said visitors were using the beach late at night.
He urged the public to refrain from going there until the law and order situation in Lae returned to normal.