Through a new initiative called ‘Safe and Clean Central Business District,’ the National Capital District Commission has engaged youth civic responsibility to restore the pride of Gordons Suburb in Port Moresby.
NCDC Social Services Director, Janet Haua said they had engaged combined manpower of youths based at Erima, 5-Mile and Gordons to restore urban safety and security and maintain cleanliness of shop fronts, bus-stops, footpaths and public spaces at Erima and Gordons.
She said the youths were also controlling the local traffic flow and assisting the police to maintain law and order in the areas.
“As our youths are transiting into adulthood, they have embarked on a new initiative in bringing together the best aspects of partnership, smart thinking and a diversity of experience to transform and promote a clean and safe city for all,” said Ms Haua.
She said neighbourhood pride and safety were the focus of this clean-up program currently piloted at Gordons Suburb.
Despite the challenges, she said feedbacks received from this three-month journey were so far positive.
“The key to achieve any development goal is to work with the law enforcing agencies, sharing information and working together with the neighbourhood to achieve a common goal. This is what the management of NCDC is embarking on right now rather than just working within the organizational gains.
“Essentially, they’re looking at everything from general cleaning to maintaining law and Order to create a safer and cleaner CDB meaning removing of waste, ensuring bus stops are free, and doing awareness to the public of the importance of living in a safe and healthy environment,” said Ms Haua when expanding on the program.
“These Safe and Clean CDB program also aims at giving back opportunities to the under privileged youths and develop a pathway them to know their worth and potential to be successful. Our youths will be assisted in finding ways to further their studies and also find employment.
“We are educating them on the importance of living in a clean city, involving them to participate in activities like cleaning and advising them to be the advocators of change.
Police officer from the Task Force Team, David Leka commended the work of NCDC involving youths and communities in such clean-up activities.
Shirley Jim, a proud Gordons Police Barracks resident, said the place was changing.
“Today our safety is guaranteed. Their work has inspired us to take pride in a clean, safe Gordons,” she said.
Coordinator of the Gordons Youth Association, William Yogomin said commended this partnership.