Keep Vava’u clean and beautiful by keeping the environment clean, was the message HE Tiffany Babington, New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, emphasized in a speech at the official opening of the 3Rs Waste Minimization Promotion and Proper Waste Management Project in Neiafu, Vava’u, on 14 May.

The pilot project, funded by the New Zealand government, aims to promote the concept of the 3Rs: "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle", in the Neiafu community which includes nine villages.

Ms Babington said she was happy her government funded the project and encouraged everyone to contribute and keep up the good work for the environment.

At the opening, the Neiafu Government Primary School (GPS) students performed a short drama demonstrating the concept of the 3Rs.

District Officer of Neiafu, Mr Ula Kaufusi, was grateful to New Zealand for supporting the project.

He said it is a great opportunity for Neiafu as the centre of business, and that upgrading the level of cleanness and changing the perceptions of locals is important.

Items such as rubbish bins, cage and platform stands, training materials and billboards is part of implementing the project under four components which includes separating waste material, installing platforms for waste materials, raising awareness through education activities, and training local Neiafu women on the concept of the 3Rs.

The project is a collaboration of the Neiafu District Council, Ministry of Meteorology, Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Energy, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), and the Vava’u Environment Protection Association (VEPA).