IN efforts to reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases, primarily Chikungunya, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (LGRD Ministry) donated a fogging machine to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands, West Demerara).

Permanent Secretary of that Ministry, Collin Croal, indicated that the “Swingtec SN 50 Fogger” machine, which was purchased from Farfan and Mendes, is valued at approximately $375,000.

Present at the handing over yesterday at the Ministry was the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Donald Gajraj, and Regional Health Officer (RHO) Nadia Coleman.

Also in attendance was Dr. Reyaud Rahman, Director of Vector Control Services (VCS), who reminded that the fogging was an ongoing countrywide exercise implemented last year.

“While fogging is being done in Region 4 currently, it will move to Region Three, where training and guidance on how to operate the machinery will be done”, he said.

Operations are also to commence in Region One (Barima/Waini) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, spoke of the importance of the need for partnership with the Ministry of Health to mitigate the proliferation of vector-borne diseases. “Especially at this time (with the onset of the spread of the Chikungunya virus), the fogging machine will play an important role in reducing the spread of vector-borne diseases,” the minister said.

He emphasised the need to not only begin using the machine, but also to care for and maintain it, therefore guidance and training would be required to utilize the machine.

The Region Three REO expressed his gratitude and appreciation at receiving the fogging machine, and assured that it would complement the continuing efforts of mosquito eradication, and that the machine would be fully utilised once the necessary training was done.

By Raveena Mangal

CAPTIONS: ***folder saved in graphics as: Fogging machines
Picture 005: The donated fogging machine

Picture 007: Region Three RHO Nadia Coleman accepting the machine from Minister Whittaker