Kokopo marks Environment Day with festival

WORLD Environment Day was observed and celebrated in East New Britain with the theme “Prevent air pollution”.
A festival on Wednesday was organised by Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) volunteer Tatsunori Yoshimura, who is attached with the Kokopo city authority and Kokopo-Vunamami urban local level government.
The purpose of the festival was to promote public awareness on the environment and to educate the public to properly dispose their rubbish.
The one-day festival in Kokopo attracted more than 1,000 people from all parts of the province.
The colourful show involved more than 600 students from 13 primary and elementary schools within the Kokopo area.
Students presented items such as poetry recitals, drawings, songs and fashion – all on environmental themes.
Tropicana Ltd managing director Sandra Lau encouraged students and citizens to take care of the town by keeping it clean and to look after public infrastructures.
Lau, who sponsored the celebrations, encouraged people to be environmentally conscious.
“I am always proud of East New Britain people because you are always giving respect to our authorities and you listen, with that attitude our town is always kept clean,” she said.
Lau urged people to work hard and be self-reliant instead of expecting free handouts from the state.
Meanwhile, Kokopo city and market authority has banned the use of plastic bags at Kokopo market with baskets now being sold for K2 to carry items.