FORUM SOLOMON Islands International (FSII) has strongly condemned disposal of rubbish in the central business district of Honiara city describing it as plain public disgrace. Forum Solomon Islands international says it had captured on camera two large rubbish bins being filled both inside and outside damped in the area. It says the picture also confirms rubbish is being burnt in the area.
The pictures which have been posted on FSII popular Face book page had aroused wide public criticism of the business houses responsible and the Honiara City Council.
Members of the Honiara public have accused Honiara City Council of negligence to ensure waste disposals are damped at proper sites to avoid outbreak of disease.
“It’s an attitude problem and unless our people change their attitude such practice and eye sores will continue to be seen in our CBD,” a member posted.
Attitude problem is one of the many problems FSII has identified as slowing down development and even scaring development in this country. The FSII Chief Executive Officer once told this paper that one of the major problems identified by his group is careless attitude.
“People have no regard or respect for anyone and anything. Throwing rubbish at the right place seemed to be a real problem for many Solomon Islanders”, Benjamin Afuga said.
He said this is evident in the rubbish bins and everywhere on the streets. Some people don’t even distinguish the type of rubbish that should be thrown in bins.
“Even Chinese shop-keepers contributed significantly to Honiara’s ugly scenes in front of the perimeters of their shops,” he added.
Mr Afuga said disposing rubbish properly has become an attitude problem for many.
“You don’t have to look far. Just stand on a road side and watch how rubbish will be thrown out of the next moving vehicle.
“It is just confirm how we throw away many opportunities triggered by the attitude problem and carelessness”, Afuga explained.
Reacting to the recent picture posted on FSII Facebook page, Afuga said he is not surprised at all because this is happening as we speak now.
Afuga also questioned the 7 meter law already passed by HCC.
“Why was the law not enforced on many of the shop-owners who just threw their rubbish everywhere and never disposed them?
“Where is the HCC’s rubbish collection program? Where is the health enforcement agency?
In January this year it was reported that business and property owners within the city are expected to live up to the re-introduced seven metres bylaw.
The report further stated the bylaw will be re-enforced by the Honiara City Council soon.
“This bylaw will require property owners and business occupants to take responsibility in cleaning up and looking after up to seven metres of their surroundings”, Afuga echoed what has been said by the HCC.
“The bylaw has been agreed to by the Honiara City Council Executive and should have been imposed by the relevant HCC division in a renewed effort to clean up the city.
“Those who failed their responsibilities are expected to face a fine of $10,000 on the spot”, he added.
“What happened to the Honiara City Council? Afuga questioned.
Honiara City Council could not be reached in time for comment.
– FSII News
