NCD at risk

Main Stories, National
Source:

The National, Wednesday October 16th, 2013

 MOVES are under way to effectively address the waste management problem in the National Capital District that poses health and the environment risks.

The main problem area is the Baruni rubbish dump outside Port Moresby, which is regularly visited by scavengers from nearby settlements who take home discarded food and household rubbish.

Officials from the National Capital District and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) went to Baruni yesterday to inspect the stinking and flies-ravaged landfill.

JICA representative Shigeru Sugiyama said the waste problem in Port Moresby was causing emissions into the atmosphere and, if left unattended, would create more risks for residents.

“Port Moresby is the nation’s capital and we expect good mechanisms for waste management,” he said.

“This must not be left to the next generation (to fix) because it will build and cause more problems.” 

Deputy city manager Honk Kiap said the city continued to expand and waste management must be properly monitored.

“As the capital city, we must lead the way in the social and economic aspects. 

“Waste management will become a big problem if we don’t manage it well now.”

Simeon Terina, NCDC’s waste management manager said they were working on a three-phase plan to manage the waste problem in the city – improvement on the landfill at Baruni, improvement in waste collection and waste management policy, collection of data and review of contract documentations to ensure there is evaluation and improvement.

“Contractors will no longer use trucks which are currently collecting rubbish. Trucks which are not compactors and have a trailer will no longer collect rubbish,” he said.

The rehabilitation phase is a partnership between JICA, Government and NCDC. The dump will undergo rehabilitation under a project signed in 2011 by the State and Japanese government. 

“Construction has already started in cell one of the Baruni area. Kana Construction is clearing out rubbish to start the construction of a office area and bridge for the rubbish trucks.”

They will use the Fukuoka, or semi-aerobic landfill, method from Japan which see the laying of pipes under the landfill to allow the drainage of waste and other chemicals.

Terina said the method is cheaper and cost effective.