NCDC to buyout plastics

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 27, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE National Capital District Commission will be immediately making available K200,000 to buy out plastic litter in the city- in a move that is set to follow the betelnut ban currently undertaken by the city authority.

Governor of NCD Powes Parkop revealed the commission’s plan to use the money to buy out plastic.

That includes plastic bottles, plastic coverings, plastic bags, and containers, which the governor described, were a menace to the city’s streets, drains, and coastal fronts.

The arrangement will see plastics that are littered all over the city will be collected and brought in and redeemed for both cash and goods incentives.

“I have been calling on the manufacturers and the importers of those materials.”

“Soft drink companies, water companies, and those that produce packets and containers for detergent for washing and food products, that they should start taking responsibility and become self-regulatory to help us achieve a win-win outcome.”

“Instead they are allowing our people to get all the non-biodegradable things that have been consumed and packages thrown on the street.”

The governor said that the manufacture should be held responsible to meet the cost of their product.

“Just as much as we are tough on our people with betelnut- I will leave no stone unturned going after these companies,” he added.

With the approved funding the commission will begin the buyout process once the necessary mechanism were put in place, even to the extent of sending the bills to those companies whom the governor warned to be ready to assist the commission.

Parkop also called on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to assist the city authorities to do the right thing and buy out plastics littering, by paying people to collect and clean-up the drains and beaches.

“Our people chewing betel-nut and selling it have cooperated, so I need those corporate citizens to do the same.”

“To set an example in our capital city and it will transcend to other parts of the country”

Governor Parkop thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill who he said supported the bold initiative- As a token of his support through the Peter O’Neill foundation which will assist with goods for the buyout scheme.