THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and several other ministries has embarked on a three-day exercise, designed to address the solid waste problem in Georgetown, especially around the markets and commercial areas.

The Agriculture, Health, Public Works, Tourism and Natural Resources Ministries pledged their support to this exercise and have been delivering on such.
The exercise started yesterday in the Thomas Lands, Alberttown, Queenstown and Kingstown sections of the City. Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker visited some of the areas to observe the progress of work as workers were dealing with silted-up drains, vegetation overgrowth and garbage piles.
Coming out from discussions, Minister Whittaker said it was determined that the Local Government and the Municipal officers will reach out to the various wards and groups within the city responsible for garbage to determine where are the biggest challenges.
During the visits by the minister, some of the groups raised challenges they are facing, even as they are trying to get the work done. Minister Whittaker said the ministry plans to meet with the coordinator of the various groups to deal with them (challenges) in order to improve on the services provided throughout the rest of the exercise.
The City Council is not directly involved in this clean-up due to limited resources in terms of equipment.
Minister Whittaker explained that his ministry has not taken over the role of the Georgetown Municipality. “Ultimately, we as a government have a responsibility to the citizens of this country to ensure that the environment in which they live is kept clean.”
It is expected that this exercise will be prolonged, as the ministry will continue to support the effort of the City Council and the various groups in Georgetown.
Head of the Solid Waste Management of the Ministry, Gordon Gilkes said that despite some setbacks, work is progressing. He said that there was some difficulty in cleaning the drains because of heavy vegetation overgrowth, and expressed gratitude to the ministries and various groups that are involved in this exercise. (GINA)