Keep Madang Drains Clear

Mala: Hello, Madang Town. Quick question... where does loose rubbish go when heavy rain comes? Often, straight toward a drain. Jonas: And a stormwater drain is not a bin. Different job, thank you very much. Mala: Exactly. This is Episode One of Keep Madang Drains Clear. Here is a short public notice, why it matters, and what we can do. Mala: This notice comes from the office of Madang Town Mayor Ismael Yama, to all residents of Madang Town. Please do not dump rubbish or other debris into the stormwater drainage system in and around Madang Town. Jonas: Simple message. Blocked drains stop water moving properly and can cause localized flooding. Mala: Then water can sit there... Jonas: Right. Standing water can attract pests and spread disease. Litter and debris can also harm the marine environment and water quality. Not a good journey for rubbish, eh? Mala: Mm-hm, no... ha ha. Keep it where it belongs. Jonas: Councillors in their respective wards are expected to begin awareness in their wards and help enforce a K100 fine for offenders. K100. So, uh, using a bin is the easier choice. Mala: Use household bins, tie rubbish bags properly, and keep gutters clear. Jonas: Secure rubbish loads on vehicles, too, and use community collection points. Small actions, big help. Mala: Thanks, Madang Town. Keep those drains clear... and join us next episode for another simple way to help our town.

Mala: Last time, we reminded everyone that rubbish and debris must not go into our drains. Today, um, we’re talking about what happens if that warning is ignored. Jonas: Yep. Friendly reminder, firm follow-through. This public notice comes from the office of Madang Town Mayor Ismael Yama. Mala: Residents of Madang Town, please do not dump rubbish, plastic, garden waste, or any other debris into stormwater drains in and around town. Jonas: Because a drain is for stormwater, not a rubbish bin. It might look convenient for five seconds, then it blocks up, water backs up, and everybody nearby gets the problem. Not exactly neighbourly, hey? Mala: Ah, true. And the enforcement part is very clear. Jonas: It is. Any individual found violating this directive will be fined K100. That is K100 for dumping rubbish or debris into the stormwater drainage system. Mala: So, the easy way to avoid that fine? Jonas: Put rubbish in bins. Keep the drain near your home or business clear. And if you see a blocked drain, report it through the proper local authority channels if needed. Don’t try to solve it by adding more rubbish. That is, uh, the opposite of solving it. Mala: Councillors also have an important job here. Jonas: Ward councillors, please hold ward awareness talks, put simple posters at drain hotspots, coordinate with waste collection, and log warnings and offences. Practical action, clear records, cleaner wards. Mala: Let’s all do our part for a cleaner, safer Madang Town. Jonas: Keep rubbish out of drains, and keep K100 in your pocket. Mala: Thanks, everyone. Take care, Madang.