BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SIX communities namely Ambu, Kokomu, Lilisiana, Ngalisagore, sikitae and Fasitoro have successfully taken part in a recycling workshop in Auki last week on March 29 and 30.
Auki Market Vendor Association project coordinator Joel Reverly said, four reps from six communities around Auki Township and Auki Market Vendors association attended the workshop.
He said that the workshop has attracted a total of 35 participants both men and women.
The workshop is a vital component of the upcoming litter ordinance proposed by the Malaita provincial government for its township in Auki.
He said that the recycling workshop involved converting empty solrice bags into re-usable shopping bags instead of plastics.
Each team from the respective communities used a hand sawing machine during the workshop to turn the empty solrice bags into useful shopping bags.
He said that during the workshop some women from Ambu and Lilisiana who took part in the workshop had expressed that they enjoyed the program and learn many new things from it.
The workshop also involved each team presenting their complete project and their new ideas on how to promote recycling in their communities.
“The solrice bag is stronger than plastic and even the farmer bag bought from shops, and can be used for a longer period,’’ said AMVA Joel Reverly.
He said that they are working closely with Malaita stakeholders, the Malaita waste management office, Kilu’ufi health department and the Auki town council.
Mr Joel said the plan is to help the Malaita provincial government to promote the use of reusable shopping bags and put a ban on plastic.
The recycling workshop is supported and funded by the south pacific community (SPC) each year, especially under the triple RRRT and Pacific People Advancing Change Programme (PPAC) with a small grant of 8000 Euro.
