THE Lusignan/Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is urging residents to take responsibility for, and properly dispose of, garbage within their community.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, NDC Chairwoman Ms Annette Dass pointed out that the local authority has a tractor and a compactor truck which they use to pick up garbage on a weekly basis.

She indicated that the NDC is putting measures in place to ensure that persons who are found littering are charged and fined for the offence.

Dass said the NDC has been making extensive effort to clean the community of garbage, but needs support from the residents to keep the community litter free. She iterated that residents ought not to feel afraid to report acts of dumping to the NDC, as the officials there would ensure that all reports and evidence provided are kept confidential.

Dass attributed the garbage problem to “wicked” people in the community, who know better and yet continue to commit such heinous acts to discredit the NDC. She noted that reporting must be done in a responsible way, and evidence must be shown in some form so as to have these persons indicted.

New System
Dass pointed out that, as of this month, a new system has been introduced, whereby residents will have to pay a fee of $500 fortnightly for garbage collection. She disclosed that the Minister of Local Government had only recently granted permission for this levy, and NDC officials are ensuring that it is implemented at its earliest.

Dass emphasised that the fee is beneficial, as it would aid the NDC in paying the workers, among other things. She further stated that the local authority is working alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure a clean and garbage free community for citizens to live and dwell in.

(Savitri Laikram)