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PNG-CITY-CLEANLINESS
Police in PNG join residents for capital city clean up before APEC
SYDNEY, Aug. 1, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Police in Papua New Guinea have hit
the streets of the capital on Wednesday, for a major “clean up” operation in
the lead up to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting
in November.
While usually known for sweeping up crime, officers in Port Moresby will
be tasked with helping citizens keep the city spotless and tidy over the
coming months before the lense of the world’s press focuses squarely on the
tropical South Pacific nation.
Speaking to local media on Wednesday, National Capital District
Metropolitan Superintendent Perou N’rdanou said the summit will be a “great
benefit” to the country and that residents should try their best to show Port
Moresby in the best possible light.
“By hosting APEC, Papua New Guinea will get a lot of exposure
internationally for people who didn’t know much about the country,” he said.
“People will better understand the sorts of trade, tourism and investment
opportunities that exist here.”
“But it all comes back to citizens to make it happen,” he added.
With a number of community organizations also involved in the government’s
clean up task force, PNG woman’s community service foundation youth
coordinator Maxwell Bill explained, the groups will work with police to raise
awareness about the program, urging citizens to do all they can to keep the
capital looking sharp.
“This is our home, this is our city and we have to work together to make
it happen for the future of our little ones,” Bill said.
BSS/XINHUA/GMR/0902 hrs