Plant theft ‘selfish’

EFFORTS to beautify Goroko town were hampered by thieves who stole newly planted shrubs last Friday.
Beautification project contractor Kearyn Hagreaves woke up on Saturday morning to find 12 of the 20 shrubs she planted along the road leading to Busu Coffee and Waterais areas stolen.
Mrs Hagreaves told The National the thieves were  very selfish people who did not have anything good to contribute to society and the town.
“I planted the trees at 2.30pm yesterday.
 “I cannot understand why they were stolen, if you want these trees, please come and see me,” she said on Saturday.
Mrs Hagreaves said the theft painted a very  negative image of Goroka town.
“I am willing to give seedlings to anyone interested.
“It’s always a good idea to ask for help than to steal,” she said.
Last year, beautification plants at the Ela Motors section were also stolen.
“It took me six years to nurse these plants and to see them stolen is very disappointing,” she said.
Mrs Hagreaves was contracted by the Eastern Highlands provincial government to carry out beautification projects for Goroka.