Northern Ward Council of Women organises week-long clean-up campaign

Jun 12, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 |

The Northern Ward Council of Women has launched a week-long clean-up campaign that began on Monday, September 16, and will conclude on Saturday, September 21.

The initiative, led by the council’s president, Emmy Tevi Siro, aims to engage the community in environmental clean-up activities across various areas within the Northern Ward.

Mrs. Siro noted that this is not the first large-scale clean-up event organised by the council. “Since 2004, we have been conducting clean-up activities throughout the Northern Ward, and this campaign continues that tradition,” she said. The council is working closely with the mothers of the Northern Ward to not only clean their communities but also engage in discussions on local issues.

“When you are a leader, you must know how to communicate with the people in your community,” Siro said. She mentioned using the radio to spread awareness and personally visiting chiefs and leaders to encourage participation.

Touasi Tiwok, a volunteer mother involved in the campaign, explained that the daily clean-up sessions run from 9am to 10am, as they utilise the time when mothers are available.

The volunteers are also collecting data on waste, particularly due to concerns regarding the Tagabe River, the primary water source for Port Vila. “We know that the government has established the Tagabe River Management Committee, and we need to gather data on the pollution affecting the river. This is important, especially with the rising climate issues. We have heard that UNELCO is advising the government to find alternative water sources,” Tiwok added.

The council’s clean-up schedule includes clearing the Tagabe River from September 16 to 18. On September 19 and 20, they plan to construct a temporary bamboo bridge across the river, connecting Dunstan’s Kava Bar to Huarere Studio.

This bridge will provide safer passage for the public, particularly children, who cross the river regularly. Siro mentioned that men and young boys from the community are expected to assist in building the bridge.

Tiwok noted that the clean-up will conclude on Saturday with activities in the Malapoa and Kawenu areas, ending with a clean-up from Lukuwi Lagoon to Fatumaru Bay. During the campaign, the group plans to collect data on the types of waste, including plastic, following the government’s plastic ban.

The rubbish will be assigned to different groups to clean in sections of two to three metres.

Once collected, the waste will be disposed of at the designated dump site with assistance from the Port Vila City Council (PVCC).

Siro acknowledged the PVCC for providing plastic bags for the clean-up and noted that the Northern Ward is a large area, encompassing 13 neighbourhoods from Sweetie to Malapoa.

The Northern Ward Council of Women, part of the PVCC of Women under the Vanuatu National Council of Women, has been actively working in these communities.

She also mentioned that last year, the council received support through the VALE project under VANGO, which provided water tanks, machines, and grass cutters for the mothers after Cyclones Judy and Kevin. Additionally, the council raises funds through a Vatu 100 membership fee, which supports their activities. Currently, there are over 200 mothers involved in the Northern Ward association.

Siro thanked the campaign’s sponsors, including MPs Ralph Regenvanu and Ismael Kalsakau, as well as Abattoir, Vodafone, PVCC, and Vanuatu Water.

She encouraged businesses and individuals willing to support the initiative to step in and contribute.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Northern Ward Council of Women organises week-long clean-up campaign

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Northern Ward Council of Women organises week-long clean-up campaign

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