Solomon Islands government has acknowledged the Japanese government for its ongoing support towards addressing the solid waste problem in the country.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment echoed the government’s appreciation while speaking at the 4th Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting yesterday on the J-PRISM project.
Dr Melchior Mataki said, Japanese International Corporation Agency(JICA) has been very supportive in the project over the years.
“Since the start of the project in 2009, it has achieved amazing results in addressing the problem of solid waste management in Honiara and Gizo towns.”
He said, the J-PRISM project has achieved a lot despite the challenges faced over the past four years.
“When we reflect on the challenges encountered and success we achieved may it help us to review the work plans for this final year of the project,” Dr Mataki said.
He said, contributions of everyone including donor partners, private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders will continue to enhance this J-PRISM project’s goal of addressing the problem of solid waste management in the country.
He said, continued partnership and support is needed to enhance proper waste management in the country.
Adding, waste is a cross cutting issue and affects everyone.
“I urge us all to continue to work in partnership and collaboratively to manage solid waste in an integrated manner for a cleaner, healthier and happy isles of Solomon,” Dr Mataki added.
He reminded all participants at the meeting that the greatest mistake man will ever make is to think that somebody or someone else will clean the environment.
“There is only one Solomon Islands and as stewards of the planet earth, it is our responsibility to take care of our environment. We are only borrowing from our children and the next generation. Let us all be part of a solution and not the problem,” Dr Mataki emphasised.
The 4th joint coordinating Committee Meeting was attended by JICA representatives, HCC officials, Ministery of Environment officials, Ministry of Aid coordination, relevant stakeholders ,NGOs and the private sector.
The meeting has highlighted the achievements and challenges of the J-PRISM project and the way forward for the remaining year of the project until February 2016.
At the close of the meeting, participants paid a visit to the Ranadi dump site to witness the progress of the site’s rehabilitation work currently funded under the J-PRISM project.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
