Residents near Mataniko Bridge in Honiara’s Chinatown are expressing relief that a Honiara community’s-led clean-up campaign is set for November 23rd and 24th. However, while they welcome the initiative, many are frustrated with the government’s failure to address the long-standing pollution issues along the Mataniko River.
Local community leaders are voicing their disappointment, pointing out that it is deeply concerning that the responsibility for cleaning the heavily polluted river is falling on the shoulders of local volunteers rather than professional services.
“It is a shame that the government and the responsible authorities have let it come to this,” said one leader.
“Instead of stepping in to address this environmental crisis, they are relying on residents to put their health at risk, spending their time and energy cleaning up what should have been managed by professionals.”
The frustration is compounded by the government’s apparent prioritizing of resources. According to the leaders, millions of dollars have been spent on overseas travel, workshops, and ceremonial events such as welcome and farewell parties for MPs, yet little to no tangible action has been taken to address the pollution that is affecting local communities and is an eyesore in the middle of the city.
A resident expressed disappointment, stating, “While the government can spend lavishly on their own comforts, they ignore the very real environmental challenges facing our people. This is poor governance and irresponsible.”
With the clean-up campaign now underway as they call for volunteers, many are hoping the government will step in to provide the necessary resources to address the pollution crisis.
“We can clean up for a day or two, but this problem won’t go away without real action,” another resident said. “The government needs to prioritize the health and well-being of its people by addressing the pollution that is destroying our environment.”
As the community works together to clean up their surroundings, the call for long-term solutions and government involvement has never been more urgent.
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