In alignment with the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, announced forthcoming strict enforcement measures to address the improper disposal of garbage in the capital city.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives from business support organisations at the Private Sector Commission headquarters last Friday, Minister Indar highlighted the significant role businesses play in waste management, pointing out that many are responsible for the improper disposal of industrial and construction waste.
“This is not just normal garbage; this is industrial garbage. This is garbage that is construction waste,” Minister Indar emphasised.
As Chairman of the National Enhancement Committee (NEC), Minister Indar expressed concern over commercial operations that indiscriminately dispose of their waste by paying vagrants to remove it in unhealthy and illegal ways. He revealed that the NEC is collecting video and photographic evidence of these violations and is preparing to launch a rigorous campaign to prosecute those who continue to flout anti-littering regulations.
“I have videos and pictures on my phone of them dumping their garbage in the streets… We’re going to launch a campaign involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the police, and other relevant authorities to ensure violators are charged and dealt with accordingly,” Minister Indar asserted.
On August 17, the NEC, in collaboration with the private sector and various volunteer organisations, will conduct its 9th National Cleanup Exercise. Targeted areas include the Seawall, Stabroek Market area, Dennis Street, Linden, Mabaruma, and New Amsterdam.
The meeting was also attended by Georgetown Mayor Don Singh, City Councillor Steven Jacobs, representatives from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson.
