Minibus operators at Stabroek Market area given garbage bins –to stop lawless practice of littering

THE Solid Waste Department of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council on Monday handed over 60 bins to minibus drivers operating Routes 41 and 45 at the Stabroek Market tarmac, in an effort to ensure the area is litter-free.The bins, which were valued at $150,000, were supplied by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Anti-Littering Unit and is in keeping with the “Pick It Up Guyana Campaign.”

United Minibus Union President, Eon Andrews said the gesture is a welcome step in helping bus drivers to play their part in keeping the Stabroek Market Bus Park clean.
The donation stemmed from numerous complaints from members of the public about the bus park being littered with garbage, and particularly the bad habit of passengers throwing refuse through the bus windows during boarding time.
The law stipulates that all minibuses must have bins, but not all operators have been in compliance. The fine for someone found guilty of littering ranges from $50,000 to $100,000.
Members of the public have said that the authorities should focus attention on the Stabroek Market Bus Park, with a view of implementing the law.
Not all drivers on the Park will benefit from the donation, but the move is to ensure others follow suit so that the Park will be in a tidy state.
The EPA has taken a proactive stand in addressing litter bugs, and according to the Solid Waste Department, every effort will be made to frontally address violators of the law.
The handing out of the bins is the first step in the process and will provide good grounds for litter bugs to be fined.
Solid Waste Management Director, Walter Narine said donations will be made to drivers operating the other routes, but they have a duty to maintain a clean environment and ensure that their passengers comply with the rules of cleanliness.
Andrews lauded the EPA in leading the fight to stop littering, noting that the latest gesture cannot be more welcome, pointing out that the Stabroek Market area is like a lawless dumping ground. This culture, he said, must stop.
The next step, he added, is for the authorities to look for the violators and make them face the full brunt of the law. (Tajeram Mohabir)

 

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.