Towards a cleaner Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea (where we can all be like Kokopo)

COMMENTARY

JUNE 27, 2023

Controlling the issue of spitting of buai (betelnut) and littering in a city like Port Moresby requires a multi-faceted approach that combines education, awareness campaigns, enforcement of regulations, and providing appropriate infrastructure.

It is also relevant to most parts of Papua New Guinea where spitting of buai and littering is a major problem.

This is with the exception of Kokopo, East New Britain, where people neither spit buai nor litter like other parts of PNG.

Here are some strategies that can be implemented to address these problems:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign highlighting the negative impacts of spitting and littering on public health, environment, and aesthetics. Utilise various media platforms, such as billboards, television, radio, and social media, to educate and encourage responsible behavior.
2. Education and Behavioral Change: Integrate education about the consequences of spitting and littering into school curricula, emphasising the importance of cleanliness, environmental stewardship, and civic responsibility. Conduct workshops, seminars, and community events to promote behavioral change and encourage residents to take pride in their city.
3. Enforcement and Penalties: Enforce existing regulations related to spitting and littering, and introduce stricter penalties for offenders. Increase the presence of law enforcement officers in public spaces to discourage these behaviors and issue fines or citations when necessary.
4. Proper Infrastructure: Ensure the availability of an adequate number of waste bins and ashtrays in public areas, parks, streets, and other frequented locations. Place clear and visible signage reminding people to dispose of their waste properly.
5. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Implement regular cleaning and maintenance schedules for public spaces to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. This can involve hiring dedicated sanitation workers, organising clean-up drives, and involving community members in volunteer efforts.
6. Public Engagement and Involvement: Foster a sense of community ownership by involving residents, businesses, and community organisations in initiatives to combat spitting and littering. Encourage individuals to report instances of littering and provide a mechanism for citizens to contribute suggestions and ideas.
7. Rewards and Incentives: Introduce rewards and incentives for individuals or communities that demonstrate exemplary cleanliness practices. This can range from recognition programmes to small incentives such as discounts at local businesses or participation in community events.
8. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented measures through surveys, data analysis, and feedback from residents. Modify strategies as needed and maintain a sustained effort to address the issue.

Remember that changing long-standing habits and attitudes takes time. It’s essential to have patience, persistence, and consistent implementation of these strategies to achieve a cleaner and more responsible city.

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