Pundari wants next environment day to be public holiday

Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister John Pundari will push for the next World Environment Day to be a public holiday.
Speaking at the World Environment Day yesterday at Badihagwa Technical Secondary School, Pundari told students, staff and stakeholders that he will support NCD Governor Powes Parkop to have the government declare a public holiday.
“Let’s make the capital city of PNG the green city of the Pacific, the green city that everyone of our city residents can desire and be happy and be jubilant to live in to enjoy it,” he said.
“I support Parkop’s call. I am going to advocate it alongside our good governor and hopefully we will realise the significance of it.”
Pundari said growing trees and improving attitudes as far as plastics are concerned were right steps.
“Taking a step in the right direction is another thing, don’t step back and if we all take a step forward, we will all make a difference and it will add up to a greater planet for us all to dwell in and be happy.
“I appeal to all our mums and sisters out there, fathers, boys and girls, when you go shopping take along a bilum with you, forget the plastic bags.
“Let us take a step forward in doing what is right in so far as our environment is concerned.”
The event was attended by staff from relevant government departments and partners including Jica, SPREP, UNDP, World Vision, NCDC and others. The programme started off with a cleanup in the morning starting from St Michael’s Primary School in Hanuabada and proceeded to Badihagwa where the official activities were held.
ExxonMobil chief executive officer Andrew Barry and his staff and officials from Puma Energy also participated in the programme.