Minister Whittaker checks on progress of City cleanup campaign
Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker today visited several areas where work is underway through a City Christmas clean-up campaign spearheaded by the Ministry.
The Minister checked on the pace of the work and the progress made thus far in areas such as Mc Doom, Agricola, and Norton and Princes Streets, and Riverview, Ramp Road and Cummings Lodge.
The teams that are a part of this campaign consist of both males and females, primarily youths. Minister Whittaker highlighted that this project has created temporary employment for many youths. The workers are being given a stipend of $3000 daily while the leaders of the groups are being paid more.
Minister within the Ministry of Local Government
and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker
interacting with workers in one of the communities
where the sprucing up was being conducted
Coordinator for the Riverview area, Anita Thorne said that they have received a lot of encouragement from passersby and villagers. She added that several persons have already volunteered to help them with this project while some villagers provide them with snacks and water.
Throne also highlighted that this is a commendable effort by the Ministry, and encouraged others to get involved in the cleaning of their environment. “We got to stop the talking and do the work,” she said.
The Minister interacted with the workers and encouraged community members to clean up their surroundings.
Workers cleaning the drain in Alexander village
Through this project, the Ministry has also been able to identify 18 illegal dumpsites in various communities across the City. The Minister said that the Ministry will have the garbage in these areas removed however; persons caught dumping in these locations will be prosecuted.
The exercise which commenced on December 11 is a collaborative effort among the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Public Works and Local Government.
The campaign was initially scheduled for 10 days however; the Ministry is considering extending it.