MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker has reported that there has been significant progress with regards to the major Georgetown Clean-up projects but there is more to be done.

At a press conference yesterday at the Ministry’s boardroom at Kingston, Georgetown, the minister pointed out that among the many activities of this initiative, the Ministry has placed tremendous focus on desilting the seven main canals of the city.
He posited that “substantial progress has been made in this regard,” noting that the Princes street canal has had a lot of work done, while the Sussex Street canal is about 70 percent completed.
He noted that there is a massive hindrance of illegal structures on the Government reserve, which houses persons who are illegally vending.
He added that the ministry has been working with these people to have them relocated as they are impeding the movement of the machines doing work there.
Whittaker said that concerns for the safety of the occupants have also been raised, and is urging them to cooperate with the ministry.
He stated that the City Council has been tasked with the responsibility to ensure persons have been removed and relocated so work can speed up at the location.
The minister pointed out that the Princes Street canal has had some complaints after the debris pulled from the trench is not being carried away.
He noted that it is stated on the contract that contractors must be able to remove the debris within 24 hours, but he understands that because of difficulties such as rain, the stuff may be wet and as such could take a little longer to dispose of.
Whittaker added that a significant amount of work has been done at the Church Street, Young Street, Downer Street and Lamaha canals.
He said that the ministry will ensure that the nation is fully updated on the happenings on the project.
He disclosed that works on the internal drains at the Le Repentir Cemetery is approximately 80 percent complete, noting that the Guyana Prison Service has been actively involved and has commenced work as a part of its rehabilitation.
He mentioned that the bee keepers also play an integral role in the rehabilitation of the cemetery, while staff has been keeping a close watch and monitoring the progress so as to ensure proper and adequate delivery of work.
Whittaker reported that the community clean-up is ongoing at areas such as Albouystown and others.
He added that works at Lamaha Park was set to begin on September 4 as well as to East La Penitence, noting that consultations are ongoing to bring more communities on board.
He further stated that garbage removal from market areas have been ongoing and there were discussions about other things that are needed for the markets such as proper roofing, security, solid waste storage, among others.
He said that it was agreed that additional bins will be placed around the areas, but is urging the City Council, stallholders and stall owners to maintain the aesthetics after areas have been fully improved.
Whittaker added that sections of the Saffon Street pavement will be concreted as it has deteriorated as a result of people dumping garbage there.
He posited that the City Council will be assisted to repair broken machinery and fix the garbage trucks.
Meanwhile, he is urging the public to maintain a clean environment and report those who don’t abide by the laws.
The Local Government Minister indicated that metal bins will be placed in various areas of the city, additionally, compactors and approximately 1,000 barrels will be provided for proper garbage disposal, among other items such as plastic bags.
He acknowledged the collaborative effort of the private sector in this initiative as they have been hand in hand assisting the ministry to provide an environment that is healthy and conducive.
Regional Clean up
Whittaker said that this exercise will not be restricted only to Georgetown but will be extended to other regions as well starting with Region 6(East Berbice/Corentyne).
He said that the Government will spend a significant sum to aid in the collection of solid waste, where regions will be assisted with the capacity to move it to landfill sites.
He informed that money will be spent to ensure the rehabilitation of access roads to landfill sites, and tractors and trailers will be purchased to assist in this regard while hinterland areas will be given five excavators, which will be used primarily for work within Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC’s) and Municipalities.
He said Cabinet has already approved and works will soon begin as part of the ministry’s programme.

(By Savitri Laikram)