Sitaro, Ekuatorial – Green activists demand local regulation on waste management following increasing garbage in markets, in Sitaro [Siau, Tagulandang and Biaro] district of North Sulawesi, on Thursday (22/4).
Sony Lukas, a green activist, cited Ampera Ulu Siau market as an example for the absent of local regulation on waste management.
“It [the waste] is not only affecting people’s health but also ruin our image in tourism. If we can’t manage our own waste, we can’t manage other issues,” said Lukas.
Another activist, Sebastian Tamaka, said that if government and people started to manage their waste, they’ll benefit from the situation. “It’s even possible that we can receive Adipura [an annual award given from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for clean cities],” said Tamaka. “That is if we are really serious in handling this waste issue.”
Furthermore, he criticized on the low awareness of people on the issue hence urging the local government to also give socialization on waste management.
“It is undeniable that our people is still lack of concern or awareness on managing their waste. It will need lots of hard work from all parties to achieve clean environment,” he added.
Meanwhile, Head of Sitaro Sanitary and Spatial Planning Agency James Makasenda, said that the government was still drafting Regional Regulation on Waste Management. However, Makasenda said that House of Representatives had sent letters for local authorities on waste management.
“We are hoping that this draft can be submitted to the parliament,” he said promising that they will do intense socialization Yoseph Ikanubun