New dump truck to help keep Tari town clean

Residents in Tari can expect improved waste management and cleaner streets following the presentation of a new dump truck to the Tari Urban Local Level Government [LLG].

The Tari-Pori District Development Authority [DDA] handed over the vehicle during a public event outside Hulukumaiya Haus, witnessed by ward councilors, LLG managers, district public servants, and members of the public.

DDA Chief Executive Officer Jack Walara presented the keys to Tari Town Mayor John Lamba and said the DDA, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister James Marape, spent K300,000 to purchase the truck using district funds.

“This truck is for one purpose only – waste management and disposal. No other activity will be done using this vehicle,” Mr. Walara said.

He said although the district consists of Hayapuga, Pori, Tagali, and Tebi LLGs, Tari Urban LLG must lead efforts to keep the township clean and attractive for visitors and businesses.

The truck is registered under Tari Urban LLG, making it the first asset recorded under the LLG.

Mr Walara also announced that the DDA had spent K590,000 to refurbish two old DDA administration buildings, which will now be used as office space for the LLG.

“Now that you have a vehicle to clean the town and office space to operate from, you must collect internal tax revenue from business houses to sustain operations,” Mr. Walara said.

“The DDA will not be responsible for paying the driver or workers.”

He said Tari Urban LLG had not collected internal revenue for many years and urged the administration to begin collecting taxes to maintain the vehicle, pay workers, and support the informal sector, including the market.

Mr Walara also announced a K100,000 administration assistance grant for each of the district’s five LLGs.

“For Tari Urban, use this together with your recurrent funding to manage the vehicle, pay the driver, and support town cleaners,” he said.

Mayor Lamba thanked the DDA under the leadership of local MP Prime Minister James Marape and CEO Mr Walara for providing the vehicle to support town clean-up and beautification.

He warned that the truck will operate strictly from Monday to Thursday for waste collection and disposal, and will be grounded from Friday to Sunday