IN keeping with the promise to transform Bartica into a model town, the Ministry of Communities recently handed over $60M worth of equipment and receptacles to the new Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), to assist with the collection of garbage.One dump truck, one excavator, 30 large plastic bins and 3,000 garbage bags were among the items handed over to the IMC.

General Sanitation, a private solid-waste disposal company, currently collects garbage in Bartica, but at a cost. However, during an interview with Guyana Chronicle yesterday, IMC Chairman Gifford Marshall said that, starting from January 11, the dump truck would be in full operation at no cost to the residents.

“Tax payers should not be made to pay twice, hence the truck will be servicing Agatash, Central Bartica, the West Indian Housing Scheme, Caribbese Housing Scheme, Potaro Road and the Four Miles Housing Scheme free of charge,” he explained.

‘WORKABLE SCHEDULE’
Ahead of the commencement date, the operators attached to the local organ will undergo extensive training, which would allow them to effectively operate the dump truck and the excavator. Additionally, the IMC would be in consultation with the identified communities to formulate a “workable schedule.”

“Previously, the community was given a single tractor by the PPP/C Government to pick up garbage, but there was no schedule in place,” Marshall explained.

In addition to the collection of garbage, the IMC Chairman said, within days, the garbage receptacles would be placed at strategic locations throughout Bartica and in neighbouring communities.

UTILISE THE BINS

“The task we have in cleaning up Bartica; no one person can do it, we must work together to make Bartica clean, green and pristine. So I am urging all of Bartica to utilise the bins, to utilise our garbage collection service, and let’s make Bartica a litter-free zone,” he urged.

In addition to the $60M in equipment, 12 heavy-duty bins have been given to the IMC by government, but they are still to be transported to Bartica. The IMC has also received 12 palm plants for its Community Enhancement Project.

As the IMC plays a critical role in cleaning up Bartica, the government through Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Rear Admiral Gary Best, are working on a project to establish a new landfill site in Bartica. The current site at Byderabo is considered by residents to be a major health threat. In the past, garbage lined the road leading to the dump site. However, the IMC has managed to clear the debris off the road, but the site remains a health hazard.

“Minister Bulkan and Rear Admirable Best are vigorously working on a programme to have all that garbage removed from there and relocated to a landfill site at Four Miles, Potaro Road. There will be a number of cells and the area would be re-greened by March 2016,” Marshall said as he gave an insight into the ongoing project.

According to him, this is a step in the right direction, since for too long Bartica has been struggling to dispose of its waste in a safe and healthy manner.