THE Namatanai District Development Authority (NDDA) has endorsed an environmental feasibility study into the disposal of waste and the damages to the environment in Namatanai (NTI).
NDDA Chairman and Namatanai MP Walter D. Schnaubelt said the purpose of the K600, 000 feasibility study is to develop a best management system to cater for all the waste in the town and surrounding villages.
He said the rubbish dump in Namatanai town lacks a proper system to address the waste problem.
“We continue to pile rubbish in one location in town and there is stench and it’s also very unhygienic and an eyesore for the town users.
“I’m trying to address this now and I have got Pacific Green Technologies Eco-Solutions professional service to see what they can provide for us to cater for all the waste produced by human beings,” he said.
Mr Schnaubelt said the study would enable them to identify the best management approach to waste issues.
“We do not realise and appreciate what waste can create in terms of problems for our health, waterways and ocean.
“We need to take responsibility as human beings to stop and or control the kind of waste we produce because it can affect animals we consume like pigs and fish to name a few.
“Waste management is a concern now and this generation is responsible to prepare a good environment for the next generation,” Mr Schnaubelt said.
Pacific Green Technologies Eco-Solutions chief executive officer Dr Wari Iamo said they would be carrying out a comprehensive study on the environmental impact including health and safety issues of the current solid waste and rubbish disposal in Namatanai town and NTI hospital.
The study will enable him to assess the waste streams and the kind of impact of health environment.
“To see the feasibility of where the alternative dump site will be located and the current impact it has on our people and how are we going to compensate them if we find that there are environmental and health issues.
“It’s a whole host of impact studies to be carried out but we have decided to do a thorough research because in PNG we have semi-rural and urban townships and waste is an issue.
“We will be looking at different types of waste impact, current waste management practice, waste management principles and regulations and way forward.
“Our primary target will be an extensive survey of getting household data in terms of waste, the existing waste disposal system, types of wastes and develop proper waste management system.
“I think DDA should take this seriously because you will be one of the first urban townships in the country looking at solid waste management which may include your sewer system,” Dr Iamo said.
Namatanai LLG president Joshua Takin Soi said waste management was a big concern as rubbish has been dumped everywhere in town and on customary land.
“The feasibility study is the way forward, we cannot wait, we need proper planning because Namatanai will not be the same in the next five to 10 years,” Takin Soi said.