PG2023 ENVIRONMENT BEAUTIFICATION, WEATHER AND KEEP HONIARA CLEAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETS
The Government Services Integration Committee (GSIC) Ministerial Officials in Cluster Group 11 on Environment Beautification Weather and Keep Honiara Clean Services for the Pacific Games 2023, met on Friday 19 March to discuss their proposed work plan and activities for the upcoming Pacific Games 2023.
A Statement from the GSIC Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet stated those that met included officials from the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Forestry and Research, Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. Also in attendance were the National Hosting Authority (NHA), Honiara City Council, and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Statement stated that these Ministries deal with Beautification and Keep Honiara Clean campaign as we prepare to host the 2023 Pacific Games.
“As the Pacific Games 2023 is in Honiara, the Host City, it is important that we start planning our Beautification and Keep Honiara Campaign programmes so that we clean our City, Homes, Business and properties, in preparation for the Games”, according to the GSIC Secretariat .
As Solomon Islands will receive thousands of visitors from the region, including from our provinces for the Games, it is important that we have an effective and coordinated beautification and cleanup campaign programme involving all residences and community in the City.
During the group meeting this morning, officials discussed options for the keep Honiara campaign programmes, as well getting all residences, business houses, Government offices and the Honiara City Council involved in the exercise.
The Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology informed the meeting that they would be reviewing their activities to support the proposed plans and activities to assist in the keep Honiara clean campaign.
The Ministry of Forestry and Research is looking at plans in developing the present Herbarium and Botanical Garden in Rove as an attractive area and sites for visitation during the games. However, a lot of work is required and will need a lot of support and assistance from all stakeholders.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services informed the meeting of the importance of personal hygiene and general cleanliness approach in the City, which will also result in reduction of Malaria and other diseases. This needs the support of all stakeholders to support these initiatives.
The Honiara City Council informed the meeting that there is a lot work to be done in getting all City Residences and Business houses involved in keeping the City Clean. They will be working through the Government and the Ministries as well as other stakeholders, in developing strategies and programmes to facilitate these activities. This will also involve review of our byelaws to ensure enforcement mechanisms are in place.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force informed the meeting that they will be working closely with Honiara City Council in the enforcement part of their byelaws and activities. This to ensure that is compliance and respect for our laws.
One of the greatest challenge will be dealing with the betelnut markets, as well proper collection of waste and cabbage disposal in the City. There will strategies in place to deal with the betelnut Market outlets as well as waste and cabbage disposal in our overall keep Honiara Campaign.
“As we prepare for the Games, It is also important that early discussions with relevant Government Ministries and Responsible Authorities are held so that we take a whole of Government approach in cleaning up our City, having a new and bright face lift of Honiara, change of behavior and peoples ‘attitude with regards to general cleanliness of the City”, according to GSIC statement.
Meanwhile, the GSIC Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister Cabinet noted the progress of work done to date, and plans in place for the effective management, coordination and improvement of our City, and encouraged Ministries to continue on their work plan and commitment in undertaking the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them.
It also called on the support and understanding of Honiara residents, business houses and the general population, to support the work of these Government Ministries as they embarked on their important tasks, in preparing us for the Games.
The Cluster Group 11 Ministries are part of the eleven Cluster Groups where Ministries have been assigned to different functions and responsibilities to perform and support the Games Organizing Committee, the National Hosting Authority, and the Government to successfully deliver the Pacific Games in 2023.
GCU Press