Betelnut vendors told ‘move out’ from Commonwealth Street

BY JARED KOLI

Jack about to throw a pile of rubbish into the wheel barrow as William Kere wrecks the pavement. The two are Ports workers mandated to clean the Commonwealth Street. Photo by JARED KOLI.

HONIARA’S iconic Commonwealth Street is being littered with betelnut stains, prompting calls for vendors to “move out” from the area.

Wlliam Kere, Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) auxiliary worker manned to clean up the recently renovated street said they are faced with huge pile of rubbish every day.

Mr Kere said the public should respect Commonwealth street.

“I want to appeal for the public to have respect for this area. We must change our attitude and respect public properties that are made for us,” Kere said.

He said he reminded vendors nearly every day to stop selling betelnut in the area but all his words are thrown in deaf ears.

Kere said the area should be kept clean all the time, because it is the first place cruise tourists visiting Honiara would set their eyes on.

“This is a gateway to the capital so it must be kept clean all the time. We should appreciate what others have done for us and respect it by throwing wastes in bins provided,” he said.

“Currently, vendors also use this spot for selling betelnut and cigarette, some even sell bottle of mineral water here for as low as $3.00, this should be stopped immediately,” he said.

Kere called on the Honiara City Council (HCC) to do routine check on the vicinity and apprehend betelnut and cigarette vendors.

Commonwealth Street was renovated in 2012 and was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they set foot in Honiara in September 2012.

The street holds the “Pride of Our Nation” memorial monument honouring Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers.

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