This satellite map indicates the location of the City of Port Moresby within Papua New Guinea and proximity to Brisbane, Australia.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Location of the City of Port Moresby
This satellite map indicates the location of the City of Port Moresby within Papua New Guinea and proximity to Brisbane, Australia.
City of Port Moresby
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Hohola Suburban community
The area within the yellow line is the subject area for the pilot project for my recycling project. The area covers Hohola 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 residential communities.
FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN - 'THE OUTSIDER'
[Posted on the Blackboard Class Discussion Board on Thursday 20th May 2010 at 2:09:34 PM EST]
How do we place ourselves in the situation where we are trying to provoke a community action for the benefit of the community itself? How do we identify ourselves when dealing with a community that we are not part of? How will the community contain the situation that we trying to influence and re-create their thinking in accepting a change in their community?
In my recycling project, I am 'the Outsider' trying out a pilot project in a community that I am not part of. [ The Outside-In concept]. The community is a suburban residential area in Port Moresby, and involves people who identify themselves as belonging to that particular area. There is both a spatial and social dimension of that area. The difficulty in coordinating the project depends on the 'status' on the community - some parts of the community are highly organised and cohesive, whilst other parts only have spatial relationship and no social identity. Most instances, people who are from the same or similar cultural background converge as an organised group as well as those with same or shared interests. The 'wantokism' is very much alive in community groupings in Port Moresby. [' Wantok' - 'one-talk' identifies as people related through communicating in or speaking the same language, whether it be their mother tongues, or the same lingua franca. It is also loosely used for people originating from the same area or region]. Wantokism can be advantageous in participation, however it does have negative effects.
I can be identified as an 'Outsider' because I am a professional and a development practitioner. My professional role as a physical planner may be seen as 'part of the top-down approach' and may be taken with mixed feelings. Most of the communities live in situations where the government or the city authority have greater power over them in terms or facilities and services. Together with the city authority - NCDC, the project can be pushed through by appropriate legislation, however that defeats the idea of proper community participation and acceptance. Some legislation have not worked because people where not involved or properly made aware of the intentions, or projects did not meet or fit the needs of the community. My role here as the 'Outsider' varies, from active involvement as an initiator of the project, to a passive role when acting as a facilitator. I need to fully understand the situation in the community before I can commence. Through establishing networks, identifying major stakeholders, identifying active community groups like women's, youth, sporting and church groups, linking up with prominent people within the community, assessing the current waste disposal manners, and the interest of people willing to involve in the recycling project - 'the interest group', I may be able to set up the base to work upon as the initiator or advocate. Working on existing legislation and policies and coordinating with the NCDC, I may be able to set up workshops for community participation and empowerment. The intention is for the community to take 'ownership' of the project within their area, and recognise its importance in cleanliness of their community, and establishing stronger community networks and bond.
The community must be given the due respect in the approach to initiate the recycling project. They must be well aware and acquainted with the intentions and status of the project. They must be involved in the consultative participation - I work on the information directly from the community - , the shared participation - community and me as the outsider interacting as equals -, which leads to them having the sense of ownership of the project. In that way, I also become a stakeholder so the concept of me being 'the Outsider' fades away and my belonging as a member of the community is thereby established. The next challenge is for me as 'an Insider' [ The Inside-Out concept] to request for sponsorship for the project, and negotiation for funding through NCDC and other relevant government departments and agencies. The community can initiate its own project funding agenda.
The only plan of action for the project to date is establishing networks and proposing public awareness campaigns in the suburban residential areas. As this will be an on-going project leading out [from this course], I intend to set the pace when I return during and after studies. Hence, the community action plan will only be realised by then.
How do we place ourselves in the situation where we are trying to provoke a community action for the benefit of the community itself? How do we identify ourselves when dealing with a community that we are not part of? How will the community contain the situation that we trying to influence and re-create their thinking in accepting a change in their community?
In my recycling project, I am 'the Outsider' trying out a pilot project in a community that I am not part of. [ The Outside-In concept]. The community is a suburban residential area in Port Moresby, and involves people who identify themselves as belonging to that particular area. There is both a spatial and social dimension of that area. The difficulty in coordinating the project depends on the 'status' on the community - some parts of the community are highly organised and cohesive, whilst other parts only have spatial relationship and no social identity. Most instances, people who are from the same or similar cultural background converge as an organised group as well as those with same or shared interests. The 'wantokism' is very much alive in community groupings in Port Moresby. [' Wantok' - 'one-talk' identifies as people related through communicating in or speaking the same language, whether it be their mother tongues, or the same lingua franca. It is also loosely used for people originating from the same area or region]. Wantokism can be advantageous in participation, however it does have negative effects.
I can be identified as an 'Outsider' because I am a professional and a development practitioner. My professional role as a physical planner may be seen as 'part of the top-down approach' and may be taken with mixed feelings. Most of the communities live in situations where the government or the city authority have greater power over them in terms or facilities and services. Together with the city authority - NCDC, the project can be pushed through by appropriate legislation, however that defeats the idea of proper community participation and acceptance. Some legislation have not worked because people where not involved or properly made aware of the intentions, or projects did not meet or fit the needs of the community. My role here as the 'Outsider' varies, from active involvement as an initiator of the project, to a passive role when acting as a facilitator. I need to fully understand the situation in the community before I can commence. Through establishing networks, identifying major stakeholders, identifying active community groups like women's, youth, sporting and church groups, linking up with prominent people within the community, assessing the current waste disposal manners, and the interest of people willing to involve in the recycling project - 'the interest group', I may be able to set up the base to work upon as the initiator or advocate. Working on existing legislation and policies and coordinating with the NCDC, I may be able to set up workshops for community participation and empowerment. The intention is for the community to take 'ownership' of the project within their area, and recognise its importance in cleanliness of their community, and establishing stronger community networks and bond.
The community must be given the due respect in the approach to initiate the recycling project. They must be well aware and acquainted with the intentions and status of the project. They must be involved in the consultative participation - I work on the information directly from the community - , the shared participation - community and me as the outsider interacting as equals -, which leads to them having the sense of ownership of the project. In that way, I also become a stakeholder so the concept of me being 'the Outsider' fades away and my belonging as a member of the community is thereby established. The next challenge is for me as 'an Insider' [ The Inside-Out concept] to request for sponsorship for the project, and negotiation for funding through NCDC and other relevant government departments and agencies. The community can initiate its own project funding agenda.
The only plan of action for the project to date is establishing networks and proposing public awareness campaigns in the suburban residential areas. As this will be an on-going project leading out [from this course], I intend to set the pace when I return during and after studies. Hence, the community action plan will only be realised by then.
My fear is gradually fading.........
[Posted in the Blackboard Class Discussion Board on Saturday 15th May 2010 at 3:01:02 AM EST]
No relevance to any projects, but just a reflection of my personal approach in absorbing the assessment results.................
Coming out from the 'thorny' weeks of assessment, I have realised that proper planning and time management can really change whatever situation you may be in. Absorbing the results of three of the four recent assessment submissions, it made me believe that I have been under-estimating my own capabilities, ..probably because of the mental fear and pressure taking advantage over me. My realisation has resulted from taking the comments given positively, even though I had average marks. Full blame on me as these were the results of my own doing.
The group project from a course I take had very pleasing results and the group is happy with the results and want to achieve a better result on the presentation and final submission. A positive thought by each member of the group. It all comes down to a good teamwork, a good team spirit and positive mindset. Cooperation, support and participation, and good understanding among all members have produced pleasing results. That I see is a clear example of practical 'collective action' striving for desired outcomes.
The results of another course was not too pleasing, however that have given me the challenge and the opportunity to produce a better work in my final assessment. "Pity as you are more than capable' hit the point. I have learnt and understood my mistakes and failures. I have taken the comments as a positive step for positive results.
The results of my Project Plan, however had been better than I expected. Time management was the key issue because I had to do two assignments simultaneously since they had the same due date. That forced me into typing errors, 'Americanized' words, and a bit of repetition work and less attention on sentence structure. Even lost marks for (very) late submission and excess length. However, since the mark was better than expected, my FEAR to tackle my project is starting to fade and the COURAGE to continue to work my project plan is now gripping in........
I encourage my fellow students who are more or less in the same situation as me to 'think positively, plan positively and work positively' to achieve the desired outcomes.
No relevance to any projects, but just a reflection of my personal approach in absorbing the assessment results.................
Coming out from the 'thorny' weeks of assessment, I have realised that proper planning and time management can really change whatever situation you may be in. Absorbing the results of three of the four recent assessment submissions, it made me believe that I have been under-estimating my own capabilities, ..probably because of the mental fear and pressure taking advantage over me. My realisation has resulted from taking the comments given positively, even though I had average marks. Full blame on me as these were the results of my own doing.
The group project from a course I take had very pleasing results and the group is happy with the results and want to achieve a better result on the presentation and final submission. A positive thought by each member of the group. It all comes down to a good teamwork, a good team spirit and positive mindset. Cooperation, support and participation, and good understanding among all members have produced pleasing results. That I see is a clear example of practical 'collective action' striving for desired outcomes.
The results of another course was not too pleasing, however that have given me the challenge and the opportunity to produce a better work in my final assessment. "Pity as you are more than capable' hit the point. I have learnt and understood my mistakes and failures. I have taken the comments as a positive step for positive results.
The results of my Project Plan, however had been better than I expected. Time management was the key issue because I had to do two assignments simultaneously since they had the same due date. That forced me into typing errors, 'Americanized' words, and a bit of repetition work and less attention on sentence structure. Even lost marks for (very) late submission and excess length. However, since the mark was better than expected, my FEAR to tackle my project is starting to fade and the COURAGE to continue to work my project plan is now gripping in........
I encourage my fellow students who are more or less in the same situation as me to 'think positively, plan positively and work positively' to achieve the desired outcomes.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I RECYCLE; YOU RECYCLE; WE RECYCLE......
Recycling is not everyone's pastime, not everyone's idea, not everyone's concern, and not everyone's business today! Yet, it is not hard, and is one of the best ways everyone can do something positive for the environment.
The extent of the NEED for recycling is much, much higher is developed countries and densely-populated developing countries. Recycling programs are racing against the issue of waste pollution, landfill disposals, environmental degradation, and depletion of the earth's resources.
Is everyone doing their part? Is everyone concern? Is recycling a priority in waste management? Should not we recycle?
In today's scenario, the significance of recycling is rising as more people realise the cause of the great concern that earth is being depleted from its natural resources, and adopting recycling methods to sustain a healthy balance in the ecological system.
Recycling simply is all about the process of making the used materials suitable for further use, and additionally reduces the demand on our natural resources, and also saves valuable landfill spaces.
I recycle........ that is my idea, my concern and my agenda. I recycle but at a very small-scale as my contribution to a greater issue. My concern relates on the extent that most countries failing drastically to control waste disposal and lacking recycling facilities for recyclable materials to reduce waste disposal at landfill sites, and the pollution of our environment and marine ecology. My agenda is on how I can make a positive impact in an 'not-too-convincing' community where my project can be easily sabotaged.
You recycle...... doing your part and contribution to the greater issue. When two or more involve or engage themselves in the recycling activites, it opens up the interest for more people to join and participate. These activities lead to a positive approach to expand into a bigger area, thus the involvement of the community at large. You ensure that my project has a bigger meaning to the overall cleanliness of the area and lesser environmental impacts, and that it can not be sabotaged.
We recycle.......it now has become a public concern and the agenda is made clear that there are greater benefits to recycling. It offers monetary benefits, employment opportunities, community cooperation and participation, general cleanliness around homes, streets and the community. More usage of reusable materials, and less wastage disposal in landfills and less pollution to the environment. My project survives.
In Port Moresby, various recycling activities take place - especially scrap metal, aluminum cans, and beer bottles which are sold to recycling industries and the brewery. PET bottles are re-used as water containers, and oil containers. People re-filled them with water, cordial mix, juice mix or spirit mix, or engine oil for sale.
There has been legislated regulations for banning the plastic bags - however the enforcement mechanism has never acted on it. The idea was to use 'recyclable paper bags' or the traditional 'bilums', but cost was a factor apart from high production level to cater for the demand since plastic bags produce just that.
My plan is progressing but at almost a static pace........ I have linked up with the NCDC - the authority responsible for the City of Port Moresby, and some individuals in various communities, BUT to practically do such a project has some ethical procedures to follow, and the willingness of 'contacts' to gauge information at various community levels.
For your acquaintance, visit my blog site http://ghughie.blogspot.com/
The extent of the NEED for recycling is much, much higher is developed countries and densely-populated developing countries. Recycling programs are racing against the issue of waste pollution, landfill disposals, environmental degradation, and depletion of the earth's resources.
Is everyone doing their part? Is everyone concern? Is recycling a priority in waste management? Should not we recycle?
In today's scenario, the significance of recycling is rising as more people realise the cause of the great concern that earth is being depleted from its natural resources, and adopting recycling methods to sustain a healthy balance in the ecological system.
Recycling simply is all about the process of making the used materials suitable for further use, and additionally reduces the demand on our natural resources, and also saves valuable landfill spaces.
I recycle........ that is my idea, my concern and my agenda. I recycle but at a very small-scale as my contribution to a greater issue. My concern relates on the extent that most countries failing drastically to control waste disposal and lacking recycling facilities for recyclable materials to reduce waste disposal at landfill sites, and the pollution of our environment and marine ecology. My agenda is on how I can make a positive impact in an 'not-too-convincing' community where my project can be easily sabotaged.
You recycle...... doing your part and contribution to the greater issue. When two or more involve or engage themselves in the recycling activites, it opens up the interest for more people to join and participate. These activities lead to a positive approach to expand into a bigger area, thus the involvement of the community at large. You ensure that my project has a bigger meaning to the overall cleanliness of the area and lesser environmental impacts, and that it can not be sabotaged.
We recycle.......it now has become a public concern and the agenda is made clear that there are greater benefits to recycling. It offers monetary benefits, employment opportunities, community cooperation and participation, general cleanliness around homes, streets and the community. More usage of reusable materials, and less wastage disposal in landfills and less pollution to the environment. My project survives.
In Port Moresby, various recycling activities take place - especially scrap metal, aluminum cans, and beer bottles which are sold to recycling industries and the brewery. PET bottles are re-used as water containers, and oil containers. People re-filled them with water, cordial mix, juice mix or spirit mix, or engine oil for sale.
There has been legislated regulations for banning the plastic bags - however the enforcement mechanism has never acted on it. The idea was to use 'recyclable paper bags' or the traditional 'bilums', but cost was a factor apart from high production level to cater for the demand since plastic bags produce just that.
My plan is progressing but at almost a static pace........ I have linked up with the NCDC - the authority responsible for the City of Port Moresby, and some individuals in various communities, BUT to practically do such a project has some ethical procedures to follow, and the willingness of 'contacts' to gauge information at various community levels.
For your acquaintance, visit my blog site http://ghughie.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Reflections
By now, you will notice that there has been no direct participation or 'community action' on blogging for my proposal. One reason is probably the lack of knowledge of people who can access the blogging site on the issue on hand and those who are knowledgeable do not have access or can not access the blog site due to either having not links to the internet or restricted to access other sites apart from the work homepage.
It does become frustrating when I am not able to get what is expected, and further marked poorly for non-participation in a 'community action' context. The blogging concept is very good, however if it was based on a specific topic where we can contribute to as a group project, it would have worked wonders.
Because it was not possible to get my 'contacts' replying or contributing on my blog directly, it has been a problematic case for me on my project. I did forward e-mail messages, however it produced poor response from the number of contacts I linked up with. This itself also raise the problem of 'oh! he should have prepared himself before he left for studies'; 'he knows better than I do'; sorry, I'm busy'; you're joking!!' or even just ignorance. Those who have replied pointed to the need of such and contributed some ideas (see postings below).
Blogging is the modern IT method of communication and expression views and comments on issues online. The whole concept has been a no-savvy for me..or my fellow workmates back in my country. We had never been exposed to such. With our slow-paced internet services at workplace, it has been no help to understand what is blogging and what is it about. I ONLY learnt how to blog whilst attempting to create this site.
One point I would like to stress is that I had never been involved or engaged in any community action project formally or directly so I only wish whatever I do when I get back to my country in terms of community action is hopefully not to be seen as an influence from 'an outsider'.
It does become frustrating when I am not able to get what is expected, and further marked poorly for non-participation in a 'community action' context. The blogging concept is very good, however if it was based on a specific topic where we can contribute to as a group project, it would have worked wonders.
Because it was not possible to get my 'contacts' replying or contributing on my blog directly, it has been a problematic case for me on my project. I did forward e-mail messages, however it produced poor response from the number of contacts I linked up with. This itself also raise the problem of 'oh! he should have prepared himself before he left for studies'; 'he knows better than I do'; sorry, I'm busy'; you're joking!!' or even just ignorance. Those who have replied pointed to the need of such and contributed some ideas (see postings below).
Blogging is the modern IT method of communication and expression views and comments on issues online. The whole concept has been a no-savvy for me..or my fellow workmates back in my country. We had never been exposed to such. With our slow-paced internet services at workplace, it has been no help to understand what is blogging and what is it about. I ONLY learnt how to blog whilst attempting to create this site.
One point I would like to stress is that I had never been involved or engaged in any community action project formally or directly so I only wish whatever I do when I get back to my country in terms of community action is hopefully not to be seen as an influence from 'an outsider'.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Bottle re-use & Drink can recycling
[Extract from ESCAP Virtual Conference 2003]
PNG: Bottle reuse and drink can recycling in Port Moresby
Refunds for returned bottle paid by PNG Bottle Industry Pty Ltd. is K1.50 for a 285ml Coke bottle, K1.70 for a 285ml Pepsi bottle and K1.20 for an SP beer bottle. The use of returnable bottles is cheaper in economic and energy terms than non-returnable bottles or cans. Therefore PNG Bottle Industry Pty Ltd has an incentive to offer refunds. The average returnable rate for bottles is 85% within the country, while in Port Moresby, it can be as high as 90%, i.e. the same bottle is reused about 9 times.
Aluminum cans cannot be re-used but the raw material, aluminum, is valuable. The strength of the overseas aluminum market allows the recycling companies to offer reasonable refunds. PNG Recycling exported 13,000 tonnes of cans in 1997. Given a price of US$1,050 per tonne for packed cans, the company could have earned over US$13 million in foreign exchange. The high level of reuse and recycling means that resources are conserved and the waste stream reduced. Recycling also has social benefits in the form of income redistribution of sections of the population with no formal employment.
[http://www.unescap.org/drpad/vc/orientation/M5_anx_6.htm]
PNG: Bottle reuse and drink can recycling in Port Moresby
Refunds for returned bottle paid by PNG Bottle Industry Pty Ltd. is K1.50 for a 285ml Coke bottle, K1.70 for a 285ml Pepsi bottle and K1.20 for an SP beer bottle. The use of returnable bottles is cheaper in economic and energy terms than non-returnable bottles or cans. Therefore PNG Bottle Industry Pty Ltd has an incentive to offer refunds. The average returnable rate for bottles is 85% within the country, while in Port Moresby, it can be as high as 90%, i.e. the same bottle is reused about 9 times.
Aluminum cans cannot be re-used but the raw material, aluminum, is valuable. The strength of the overseas aluminum market allows the recycling companies to offer reasonable refunds. PNG Recycling exported 13,000 tonnes of cans in 1997. Given a price of US$1,050 per tonne for packed cans, the company could have earned over US$13 million in foreign exchange. The high level of reuse and recycling means that resources are conserved and the waste stream reduced. Recycling also has social benefits in the form of income redistribution of sections of the population with no formal employment.
[http://www.unescap.org/drpad/vc/orientation/M5_anx_6.htm]
Friday, April 30, 2010
Seeking comments from NCDC
[This message was sent to the NCDC (the National Capital District Commission) the authority responsible for waste management and environmental health in the City of Port Moresby. It was sent on the 12th April 2010]...
Hi,
[Please refer to the appropriate authority: WASTE MANAGEMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH]
Hi, My name is George H. Ume, currently undertaking post graduate studies at the University of Queensland.
The reason for being here is in two fold:
* To establish a link with the Waste Management and Environmental Health Divisions of the NCDC of matters that I have interest in especially on Household Garbage Recycling and Disposal Options;
* As part of my studies, we are required to link up and engage with authorities and the community to work out a community action plan on projects we propose, which in my case is Household Garbage Recycling and Disposal Options.
My project, as mentioned, is HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OPTIONS. For community involvement and engagement, I am to formulate a community action plan whereby I can link up communities (or a community as a pilot project) within each of the suburbs around the City of Port Moresby. The project is to look into how we can reduce household garbage waste with the option of recycling of recyclable materials and food waste as fertilisers etc. Whatever that may be left over need to be appropriately disposed as not to cause environmental problems or pollution.
The plan is to involve and engage communities to work out a strategy on garbage collection whereby all garbage is sorted out at a garbage depot into various sections: 1. Recyclable: - Food Waste; Grass, Leaves and Papers; Tin, Cans, Metal and Bottles; and Non-Recyclable: - Plastics, Glasses and Hazardous wastes. After sorting out, the non-recyclable wastes are disposed are burnt-off in incinerators or used in landfills. The recyclable wastes are taken off to their appropriate recyclable sites.
In involving and engaging the community, people work together and have the sense of ownership over their community and the cleanliness that comes with it. When all communities shared that common understanding of working together to keep their communities clean, the overall effect in the cleanliness in the City of Port Moresby is achieved.
..........................
That is the idea behind the project. I have set up a blog site - ghughie@blogspot.com - for contributions, comments and advice to how best this issue can be tackled.
PLEASE COMMENT OR CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY IN THE BLOG SITE.
Thank you.
George H. Ume
Hi,
[Please refer to the appropriate authority: WASTE MANAGEMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH]
Hi, My name is George H. Ume, currently undertaking post graduate studies at the University of Queensland.
The reason for being here is in two fold:
* To establish a link with the Waste Management and Environmental Health Divisions of the NCDC of matters that I have interest in especially on Household Garbage Recycling and Disposal Options;
* As part of my studies, we are required to link up and engage with authorities and the community to work out a community action plan on projects we propose, which in my case is Household Garbage Recycling and Disposal Options.
My project, as mentioned, is HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OPTIONS. For community involvement and engagement, I am to formulate a community action plan whereby I can link up communities (or a community as a pilot project) within each of the suburbs around the City of Port Moresby. The project is to look into how we can reduce household garbage waste with the option of recycling of recyclable materials and food waste as fertilisers etc. Whatever that may be left over need to be appropriately disposed as not to cause environmental problems or pollution.
The plan is to involve and engage communities to work out a strategy on garbage collection whereby all garbage is sorted out at a garbage depot into various sections: 1. Recyclable: - Food Waste; Grass, Leaves and Papers; Tin, Cans, Metal and Bottles; and Non-Recyclable: - Plastics, Glasses and Hazardous wastes. After sorting out, the non-recyclable wastes are disposed are burnt-off in incinerators or used in landfills. The recyclable wastes are taken off to their appropriate recyclable sites.
In involving and engaging the community, people work together and have the sense of ownership over their community and the cleanliness that comes with it. When all communities shared that common understanding of working together to keep their communities clean, the overall effect in the cleanliness in the City of Port Moresby is achieved.
..........................
That is the idea behind the project. I have set up a blog site - ghughie@blogspot.com - for contributions, comments and advice to how best this issue can be tackled.
PLEASE COMMENT OR CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY IN THE BLOG SITE.
Thank you.
George H. Ume
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Reminder for required information
[This reminder message was on the 22nd April since there was no response to the first on sent on the 7th April 2010]
Hi guys!
Sorry to disturb your pleasant day! I am coming back for some assistance since no one has responded to my previous email on the subject matter.
I understand that you have no time for this as it is in the way of your work, but as a courtesy, I am seeking assistance and contributions to verify my project. I understand also that the speed of the internet system is very slow so it is time-consuming so you can not possibly access my blog site.
Anyway, to make it simple, please respond to the questions I am posing here:
1. Is household garbage collection a problem in your area (place of residence)?
2. Is recycling a better option to reduce the amount of household waste?
3. Is it possible for a community involvement in waste recycling within your area?
4. Can each suburb be able to contain its own garbage disposal issues?
5. What is the better option to reducing household waste disposal?
If you can access my blog site, you can be able to understand the project further. Check http://ghughie.blogspot.com - for further details.
If a number of you respond before Monday 26th by 12pm, to the questions posed, it would be highly appreciated and of great help to my project - due 2pm.
Respond via this email address.
Cheers!!
Geo.
Hi guys!
Sorry to disturb your pleasant day! I am coming back for some assistance since no one has responded to my previous email on the subject matter.
I understand that you have no time for this as it is in the way of your work, but as a courtesy, I am seeking assistance and contributions to verify my project. I understand also that the speed of the internet system is very slow so it is time-consuming so you can not possibly access my blog site.
Anyway, to make it simple, please respond to the questions I am posing here:
1. Is household garbage collection a problem in your area (place of residence)?
2. Is recycling a better option to reduce the amount of household waste?
3. Is it possible for a community involvement in waste recycling within your area?
4. Can each suburb be able to contain its own garbage disposal issues?
5. What is the better option to reducing household waste disposal?
If you can access my blog site, you can be able to understand the project further. Check http://ghughie.blogspot.com - for further details.
If a number of you respond before Monday 26th by 12pm, to the questions posed, it would be highly appreciated and of great help to my project - due 2pm.
Respond via this email address.
Cheers!!
Geo.
Requesting Information
(The message below was emailed to workmates and colleagues in Port Moresby on the 22nd April 2010)
Hope you all had an enjoyable Easter last weekend!! and back hard at home....
This email message may have reached you all confused and surprised as the topic seems rather unfamiliar to your normal messages. For that, I am going to explain the reason why and what may be required of you.
As part of an assessment in one of the courses I am taking (SWSP7123 - Community Planning, Engagement & Governance), we have been required to set up a blog site where we can communicate an action plan by way of comments and contributions that pertain to the subject topic and theme of discussion. I was not sure of what would be the best topic for discussion and of relevance for engaging communities, however to get it off as it is due on Friday 23rd April - just over two weeks - I chose the topic of Garbage recycling (household) and general garbage disposal methods in Port Moresby communities. The idea is to engage people/communities within various suburbs of the city to look at the option of household garbage recycling and alternate disposal methods.
We are to be assessed by the interaction within the blog site of comments, ideas, work plans and contributions on the topic (as stated). As it requires a larger part of my assessment (55%), I humbly appeal to you all to give some thought and assistance.
The blog site is: http://ghughie.blogspot.com/ - (type the address in the navigation bar at the top and it should pop up - depending on the speed of the PC)
I am mindful that the internet services are rather slow and with older version of Windows, and your time, however as a work colleague and friend, I ask with due respect and for your support.
Hope you all had an enjoyable Easter last weekend!! and back hard at home....
This email message may have reached you all confused and surprised as the topic seems rather unfamiliar to your normal messages. For that, I am going to explain the reason why and what may be required of you.
As part of an assessment in one of the courses I am taking (SWSP7123 - Community Planning, Engagement & Governance), we have been required to set up a blog site where we can communicate an action plan by way of comments and contributions that pertain to the subject topic and theme of discussion. I was not sure of what would be the best topic for discussion and of relevance for engaging communities, however to get it off as it is due on Friday 23rd April - just over two weeks - I chose the topic of Garbage recycling (household) and general garbage disposal methods in Port Moresby communities. The idea is to engage people/communities within various suburbs of the city to look at the option of household garbage recycling and alternate disposal methods.
We are to be assessed by the interaction within the blog site of comments, ideas, work plans and contributions on the topic (as stated). As it requires a larger part of my assessment (55%), I humbly appeal to you all to give some thought and assistance.
The blog site is: http://ghughie.blogspot.com/ - (type the address in the navigation bar at the top and it should pop up - depending on the speed of the PC)
I am mindful that the internet services are rather slow and with older version of Windows, and your time, however as a work colleague and friend, I ask with due respect and for your support.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
City of Port Moresby - (Google Earth map)
This is a view of Port Moresby - covering only Paga Hill/Ela Beach, Downtown, Konedobu across Touaguba Hill and Ela Makana down to Koki and Badili (Matirogo) suburbs.
Other suburbs are not shown.
Other suburbs are not shown.
My Project Proposal - finally!
Project Title:
Project Focus:
Project Aim:
Project Rationale:
Project Action:
Risk Identification:
My immediate problem is whether I will be able to gather sufficient ground information, and establishing networks including liaising, communicating, and working with permanent contacts to address this issue both in Port Moresby and Abroad since I am currently based in Australia, and the project would be assessed in June 2010. That is a big risk I am taking to chose this issue, especially when I am not located at that venue for easy accessibility.
My inexperience in blogging may also be a factor.
THX!
- Garbage/Waste Recycling within the Suburban Communities: Port Moresby City
Project Focus:
- Household garbage and proper garbage disposal options
Project Aim:
- This project aims to address the current waste management situation in Port Moresby, by concentrating on reducing household garbage disposal through recyclable options which provides an alternate monetary avenue for the communities within each suburb, and also proposing alternate means of garbage disposals.
Project Rationale:
- The National Capital District (NCDC) who is responsible for the operations and management of the City of Port Moresby has been throughout the years struggling to reduce the amount of household garbage being disposed at Rubbish Disposal Dumps allowing an increase in scavenging for recyclable, and compost materials. Similarly it does not have a clear demarcation on the types of waste materials, which could have been separated earlier for recycling, composting or disposed through incineration or land-fills. Nor it has clear policies on waste recycling or whether recycling can be done at a large scale.
Project Action:
- To achieve the project's aim, the strategy is two-fold.
- To work with the NCDC (and its waste disposal contractors) to focus on a waste collection program with the communities, and
- To work with and engage the communities to establish garbage collection units (depots) through the NCDC in their own suburbs, where all garbage/waste/rubbish is sorted out prior to final disposal in Rubbish Disposal Dumps and/or through incineration, land-fills, burning etc..
- To start off the project, I need to gather information on communities in suburbs that may have some interest for cleaning up their area and the NCDC and other relevant authorities and individuals mainly through available internet communication - website surfing and email technology. Since the project would be a long-term initiative, there would need to be a lot of data and information collection first from my place of study (in Australia) before I can embark on the project physically in Port Moresby. It needs more than just a plan and commitment to work on this.
- My appeal to like-minded people to contribute, comments or provide alternate measures that I can look into to make the project viable.
Risk Identification:
- In undertaking this work I will need to:
- be mindful not to interfere on the community obligations and responsibilities of the NCDC, and
- be mindful of the disposal habits of people and their stubbornness to cooperate in proper disposal manners.
- The project would create financial implications and the cost factor would increase in the long run as a continuous project year-in year out. It may cause the project to fail should the NCDC declines to address it nor fund it. Some communities may be reluctant to join the waste management program.
My immediate problem is whether I will be able to gather sufficient ground information, and establishing networks including liaising, communicating, and working with permanent contacts to address this issue both in Port Moresby and Abroad since I am currently based in Australia, and the project would be assessed in June 2010. That is a big risk I am taking to chose this issue, especially when I am not located at that venue for easy accessibility.
My inexperience in blogging may also be a factor.
- Interested people can comment on this Blog directly.
THX!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Is recycling a better option?
The presentation here does raise some views that we can consider, however it also depends on the waste situation.
What do you think about such views?
What do you think about such views?
Proper rubbish disposal options - Keep UQ refectories clean!
I had been firstly thinking on what would be the appropriate topic for this posting, and whilst still thinking about it, I have tentatively used ‘proper rubbish disposal options’ as the topic.
Deviating from my original idea of considering waste management and recycling in Port Moresby (PNG), my alternate is to re-look at the rubbish disposal methods – Keep the UQ refectories clean – and how I can relate it practically in a community-orientated project.
Coming from a top-down working environment, this project would be challenging, but then again whether it will have enough substance for me to consider it as a project.
Still floating my options…..
Deviating from my original idea of considering waste management and recycling in Port Moresby (PNG), my alternate is to re-look at the rubbish disposal methods – Keep the UQ refectories clean – and how I can relate it practically in a community-orientated project.
Coming from a top-down working environment, this project would be challenging, but then again whether it will have enough substance for me to consider it as a project.
Still floating my options…..
Waste management and recycling through community participation
I have been wondering whether this project will make sense in a community development and engagement perspective.My less or the lack of experience working in an community-orientated program or project is the reason for my confusion in whether theme of my project proposal makes sense.
I think I got myself into something that is common knowledge and that have been successfully accomplished elsewhere in most countries in the world, however I would like to relate this to my own community in my home country (PNG), more appropriately to the citizens of Port Moresby, where I live.
Like other developing countries, the issues of waste management and recycling are neglected or ignored creating dirty and polluted environment. Port Moresby with its accelerating population is faced up with issue, although not to the magnitude of other major cities in the developing countries.
Waste disposal is normally done at open disposal sites and recycling is not a priority since all waste or rubbish/trash of any nature are not separated prior to disposal.
In Port Moresby, household waste collection and disposal is supposed to be done on regular basis but sub-contracting by the city authority to local contractors has been problematic due to insufficient finance, transport, equipment and labour. Recycling of household waste is almost non-existant. Apart from collection of re-saleable aluminium cans, PET bottles and beer bottles and cans, all the household wastes are placed in rubbish bins for disposal.
Normally decisions on Waste Management and Recycling come from a higher level and have political and economic implications. The role in which the community play is by far just to ensure their household waste is taken out and placed in trash cans/rubbish bins to be picked up by the garbage disposal contractors.
In my study programs in New Delhi, India and here in Brisbane, I have noticed that there are specific wheelie bins (or the like) for specific materials. The recyclable materials have their own bins. In India, they have recyclable depots where waste/rubbish is sorted out in different bins/boxes from grass/leaves up to glass and metal.
From those observation and knowledge, I can look at the possibilities of emphasising the importance of proper waste disposal using appropriate measures whether it be open disposal sites – dump and burn, incineration, isolated and restricted dump sites, or land reclamation. Connecting the city authority with the local communities, we can encourage the involvement, engagement and participation of the local communities within each suburb to sort out household waste for recycling purposes and work towards a healthy and clean community and environment. Community participation and the involvement of the city authority to consider this issue would lessen the amount of disposable waste dumps in open sites, categorizing types of waste and considering other forms of disposal, creating recycling programs and projects, and involving and engaging local communities to clean up and take pride to keep their community clean and healthy. Usually local communities within each suburbs can be the best options to participate in sorting out recyclable waste.
Could this be a viable proposal in terms of community engagement and participation? Just a thought but may look at other pressing issues of community engagement……
I think I got myself into something that is common knowledge and that have been successfully accomplished elsewhere in most countries in the world, however I would like to relate this to my own community in my home country (PNG), more appropriately to the citizens of Port Moresby, where I live.
Like other developing countries, the issues of waste management and recycling are neglected or ignored creating dirty and polluted environment. Port Moresby with its accelerating population is faced up with issue, although not to the magnitude of other major cities in the developing countries.
Waste disposal is normally done at open disposal sites and recycling is not a priority since all waste or rubbish/trash of any nature are not separated prior to disposal.
In Port Moresby, household waste collection and disposal is supposed to be done on regular basis but sub-contracting by the city authority to local contractors has been problematic due to insufficient finance, transport, equipment and labour. Recycling of household waste is almost non-existant. Apart from collection of re-saleable aluminium cans, PET bottles and beer bottles and cans, all the household wastes are placed in rubbish bins for disposal.
Normally decisions on Waste Management and Recycling come from a higher level and have political and economic implications. The role in which the community play is by far just to ensure their household waste is taken out and placed in trash cans/rubbish bins to be picked up by the garbage disposal contractors.
In my study programs in New Delhi, India and here in Brisbane, I have noticed that there are specific wheelie bins (or the like) for specific materials. The recyclable materials have their own bins. In India, they have recyclable depots where waste/rubbish is sorted out in different bins/boxes from grass/leaves up to glass and metal.
From those observation and knowledge, I can look at the possibilities of emphasising the importance of proper waste disposal using appropriate measures whether it be open disposal sites – dump and burn, incineration, isolated and restricted dump sites, or land reclamation. Connecting the city authority with the local communities, we can encourage the involvement, engagement and participation of the local communities within each suburb to sort out household waste for recycling purposes and work towards a healthy and clean community and environment. Community participation and the involvement of the city authority to consider this issue would lessen the amount of disposable waste dumps in open sites, categorizing types of waste and considering other forms of disposal, creating recycling programs and projects, and involving and engaging local communities to clean up and take pride to keep their community clean and healthy. Usually local communities within each suburbs can be the best options to participate in sorting out recyclable waste.
Could this be a viable proposal in terms of community engagement and participation? Just a thought but may look at other pressing issues of community engagement……
Realisation
Considering my choice to take up studies in Masters in Development Practice (Advanced) programme at the University of Queensland in 2009 following up from an earlier PostGraduate Diploma in Planning (Third World) in 1997, it has placed me in an open perspective to understand the normal livelihood of people, their hardships and struggles, absolute poverty, increasing population growth, traffic congestion and pollution, political oppression, Rostow’s model of development, neo-liberalism, foreign direct investment, climatic change and the endless list of matters that generally evolve with the changing times.
Taking up the community development courses under the MDP (Adv) program, it is beginning to open up another perspective of realising how important it is to involve or work amongst communities to enable better livelihood and social interaction for better harmonious lifestyle. Although my professional work as an physical planner required a lot of community-orientated interaction, the system under which we operated promoted a more ‘top-down’ and ‘inside-out’ approach, hence my involvement in actual community-orientated work is very minimal. As such I lack experience in dealing directly with communities. As a rural-orientated person, my village community is a dynamic community that I live in, however my direct input as an educated and knowledgeable person is not realised within.
I have always been part of a community as traditional families ties and community living has been an integral part of my traditional culture. However, I have not work within the larger community to explore needs, and create and promote awareness in what I have learnt or what I do in my professional work.
Community development courses are helping me to identify areas that I have failed in understanding and where I can explore and practically involve in. Now I realise that direct participation in community planning, community development, engagement and participation enables the world to come to stand in unity amidst diversity to strive for a better living, healthy, peaceful and harmonious environment.
Taking up the community development courses under the MDP (Adv) program, it is beginning to open up another perspective of realising how important it is to involve or work amongst communities to enable better livelihood and social interaction for better harmonious lifestyle. Although my professional work as an physical planner required a lot of community-orientated interaction, the system under which we operated promoted a more ‘top-down’ and ‘inside-out’ approach, hence my involvement in actual community-orientated work is very minimal. As such I lack experience in dealing directly with communities. As a rural-orientated person, my village community is a dynamic community that I live in, however my direct input as an educated and knowledgeable person is not realised within.
I have always been part of a community as traditional families ties and community living has been an integral part of my traditional culture. However, I have not work within the larger community to explore needs, and create and promote awareness in what I have learnt or what I do in my professional work.
Community development courses are helping me to identify areas that I have failed in understanding and where I can explore and practically involve in. Now I realise that direct participation in community planning, community development, engagement and participation enables the world to come to stand in unity amidst diversity to strive for a better living, healthy, peaceful and harmonious environment.
I welcome you all to my new blog site, and as it is my first blogging experience, I hope I can be able to draw your support, comments and contribution
I welcome you all to my new blog site, and as it is my first blogging experience, I hope I can be able to draw your support, comments and contributions on general views and information that could help achieve the intentions of the blog site.
This blog site is mainly for my postgraduate coursework that I am undertaking: SWSP7123: Community Planning; Engagement & Governance. Whatever that transpires within should be closely related and link with COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT and COMMUNITY PLANNING ISSUES. The issues should also be more relevant and appropriate to the topics of discussion presented.
I also welcome useful comments that can meaningfully contribute the topic of discussion.
Happy blogging!!
This blog site is mainly for my postgraduate coursework that I am undertaking: SWSP7123: Community Planning; Engagement & Governance. Whatever that transpires within should be closely related and link with COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT and COMMUNITY PLANNING ISSUES. The issues should also be more relevant and appropriate to the topics of discussion presented.
I also welcome useful comments that can meaningfully contribute the topic of discussion.
Happy blogging!!
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