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Apatang: Fewer resources to combat litter
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Posted on Jul 14 2020
With the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions and people now allowed in public beaches, more people are returning to the habit of having picnics in beaches, sometimes leaving behind piles of trash that are not appropriately discarded. And that is a cause for worry for Saipan Mayor David Apatang. And it’s not only in beaches but also villages, he said.
According to Apatang, his office has been picking up debris and more litter along roads and villages. “Super Typhoon [Yutu] has been over two years already. Everyone in their household should be responsible and start picking up their own trash.”
He reminded the public to pitch when it comes to beautifying their respective neighborhoods, pointing out that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the operations of the Saipan Mayor’s Office have decreased. They no longer have enough manpower to go around and pick up trash in villages. “Everyone in the village should be concerned and be considerate, especially during these times,” he said in an interview. “Don’t leave your trash along the road and assume that the Saipan Mayor’s Office will come and pick it up,” he added.
The Saipan Mayor’s Office is pinning its hope on a bill that Rep. Joel Camacho (R-Saipan) had introduced to discourage littering. “If you report somebody littering, you get an award of $150. This is one way we can catch litterers,” said Apatang. “People who litter should be ashamed of themselves. We are trying to clean up and beautify our island for its residents and tourists.” (Chevy Alipio)
