Solomon Is students concerned over waste dumping

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SOLOMON IS STUDENTS CONCERNED OVER WASTE DUMPING PLANS
http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/docs/news/wansolnews/2002/2002may/wansol1705022.html

By MOFFAT GHALA MAMZ: May 17, 2002
Wansolwara Online (USP)

SUVA (Pasufik Nius): Solomon Islands students studying in Fiji based institutions have expressed concerns over plans of waste dumping in the country.

The call came to light over growing pressure by the Solomon Islands government to give the go ahead to Taiwan to dump waste.

A postgraduate student at the University of the South Pacific, David Boseto, told Wansolwara Online: "Using our country as a dump site for hazardous waste should not be entertained for the sake of money.

"The repercussions of this dumping site will have a long lasting effects on our country in the long term".

"We would rather protect our land, our sea, and the air for our future generation. They need safe land to live on, clean river and sea water as a supplement for livelihood."

The marine science student added: "We should be proud of the natural beauty of our country despite the enthnic tension and economic crisis that we are currently experiencing."

Similar concerns were raised by another student, John Talu, who described it as very critical given the situation the country was facing because this is "easy money".

"This is a short term factor for our development. We need a healthy workforce to help develop the nation".

The economic and accounting students said we are still developing and to protect our resources now will benefit future generations once these resources are used wisely when the country recovers from its dilemma.

However, Dick Ha'amori, a Master of Education (science) student at USP said the waste issue should be viewed within context.

He said: "It is a wake up call to all to Solomon Islanders who continue to hamper recovery and make acceptable development to take place".

The former SICHE science lecturer blames the continuous law and order situation as the cause of the issue.

"If the law and order nuisance that is still being entertained is not stopped, we might avert the danger of the proposed waste dumping posed to us.".

"If the government is is truely concerned about rural development of the kinds we can afford, we might be able to avoid such threat."

"We must know we only have a threat and not a disaster, so if we act now we may be able to avoid it."

"The solution to our problems is in our hands and not with the Taiwanese," he said.

+++niuswire

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