National Solid Waste Management Authority, NSWMA, is seeking to dispel reports that it’s unable to participate in any planned clean-up activity to combat the spread of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus.
A day after Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson indicated a national clean-up day was imperative to fight Chik V, the NSWMA said it would need more than 3-billion dollars to adequately clear the backlog of uncollected garbage.
But, in a statement today, the NWSMA says it wishes to dispel any misconception that it would not participate in a clean-up campaign.
It says that it will always be a central partner with the local authorities and the public health department in an effort to keep Jamaica clean.
Executive Director at the NSWMA, Jennifer Edwards, previously indicated that the Authority is already challenged to collect regular waste due to a shortage of units, despite support from the Ministries of Local Government and Finance.
But the NSWMA says in implementing any national effort, consideration must be given to an intense and sustained public education programme which emphasizes personal responsibility of citizens.
It says the clean-up activity must be organized and be done on a phased basis, starting with the worst affected and most vulnerable areas in order for it to be effective.
-30-
