The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry recently launched “Pick It up Guyana Campaign” is gaining momentum, as Caribbean Containers Inc. and the University of Guyana are collaborating in an exercise to recycle disposable waste.
Subject minister, Robert Persaud, who described the initiative as a bold one, pointed out that the move to have a recycling industry developed in Guyana is an important method of dealing effectively with waste management. The campaign, that has not been restricted to the capital city, has already been taken to several parts of the country, including Essequibo, Berbice and Linden. The initiative in the mining community of Mahdia is spearheaded by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Speaking at a press conference at Jenman House, Botanical Gardens last Thursday, Minister Persaud said, “We are also looking at the educational aspect of the programme, and thus far, the programme has been successful… we will also be collaborating with the Ministry of Education to get the programme into schools.”
The minister chided the Mayor and City Council (M& CC), for their complacency as there are noticeable garbage piles across the city, some of which have been there for weeks. Central government has intervened on several occasions to remedy the situation through assisting with finance to pay garbage collectors their monthly wages, and purchase waste disposable trucks.
Enforcement
The calls for citizens to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears and the issue of garbage build-up in and around the city continues, with government looking for alternatives to remedy the situation. This will see the Natural Resources Ministry team up with the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry to ensure that the stipulated laws be enforced.
Thus far, there is a draft of the law which is currently being finalised at the level of the board.
“After this, we would be revising and updating new regulations to have wardens out and to develop a ticketing system, both for individuals and businesses. These wardens would also have the power to issue tickets to offenders… Failing to pay the fines, offenders will find themselves before the courts.” Minister Persaud said.
The board has also been actively engaging the judiciary with the aim of having an environmental court established, to toughen-up the enforcement of delinquent waste disposers.
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