– ‘Big Lift’ clean-up exercise set for August 3
MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has pledged immediate action to address garbage accumulation and other pressing infrastructural concerns affecting residents of Yarrow Dam and Sideline Dam, following a community walkthrough on Tuesday ahead of the Government’s ‘Big Lift’ waste collection exercise.
During the visit, residents accompanied the Minister and ministry officials through sections of the communities, highlighting concerns over poor drainage, non-functioning streetlights and disruptions to regular garbage collection.
Residents said heavy rainfall had worsened existing drainage challenges, while interruptions in waste collection by the previous service provider had resulted in the accumulation of garbage and improper disposal practices, further contributing to drainage problems.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Manickchand said interim measures would be implemented to clear the immediate garbage backlog, including the deployment of a canter before the end of the week.
“You will see changes,” the Minister told residents. “That’s changing before this week is out.”
The walkthrough also provided an opportunity for ministry personnel to assess conditions on the ground and engage directly with residents ahead of the ‘Big Lift’ exercise, which is scheduled to take place in the communities on Monday, August 3.
The initiative will allow residents to dispose of bulky household waste free of cost, including old furniture, appliances, mattresses, tyres and other oversized items that are not ordinarily collected through regular garbage collection services.
Residents raised concerns that the accumulation of bulky waste has contributed to unsanitary conditions and created potential breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors and rodents.
Through the exercise, the Ministry aims to reduce illegal dumping, remove accumulated waste and improve environmental conditions within participating communities.
The initiative will also engage labourers and team leaders from surrounding communities, providing residents with an opportunity to participate directly in the clean-up and physical transformation of their neighbourhoods.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development said the exercise forms part of the Government’s wider efforts to strengthen environmental management, improve community sanitation and work collaboratively with residents to build cleaner and better communities.
