City Hall, Govt Ministries pledge support for clean-up campaign

Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud, Public Works Minster Robeson Benn and acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba have pledged to pool their resources to ensure the effective countrywide implementation of the “Cleanup my country campaign”.

They gave their support to the programme during a meeting with Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker and the “Clean-Up My Country” Programme Implementation Committee on Wednesday.

At the meeting, which was held at the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Minister Persaud embraced the need for such a programme.

He emphasised the importance for sustainability which can be done through volunteerism of community groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs); enforcement of the Anti-Littering Law by Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and civil servants; and utilisation of private enterprises and citizens of the communities to monitor their community works.

He stated that this is an opportunity for a synergetic approach to get the job done.

On the other end, Minister Benn cemented his continuous support for the programme by providing the team with the technical guidance and skills as in the case of engineers.

One factor which he stated that can hinder the pace of the clearing of parapets is the infestation of foreign species of vegetation. He stated that the species are rapidly spreading across the country, and from observation, they are harder to cut.

Enforcement

He pointed out that failure of effective solid waste removal systems will defeat the nature and objective of this programme. Minister Benn also emphasised that improving the environment has to do with the conscience of the people. The Public Works Ministry also noted that a clean environment can be sustained through enforcement of public health officers.

Also present at the meeting were the City Engineer and Solid Waste Director, all of whom are seated on the Implementation Committee. The municipality representatives’ role is to provide the team with the issuance of notices to persons who are seen as encumbrances to the programme.

In addition, the Council has agreed to collaborate with the Ministry to implement a schedule in communities to remove bulk waste.

Minister Norman Whittaker in his address to the team and colleagues expressed concern and the need for sustainability. He urged everyone, both civil and statutory, to have an obligation to maintain a clean and unpolluted environment.