SSA public relations officer, Carl ‘Alff’ Padmore.
THE Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) has once again embarked on a clean-up effort and has renewed calls to stop illegal dumping in Barbados.
On Wednesday morning, a team from the SSA debushed and cleared behind the Warrens Office Complex, commonly referred to as the Barrack building, but which SSA public relations officer Carl “Alff” Padmore explained was the spot on which the old Rocklyn bus company was once stationed.
Noting that the area connects neighbouring communities to the Warrens area, Padmore lamented that the track of land became a site for illegal dumping, with several old, large appliances, mattresses and demolition material found by the clean-up crew.
“We saw clear evidence of mosquito breeding and what also concerned us was that persons would traverse this area as they made their way to and from work.
“We also made some investigations and discovered that persons are using it as part of their early morning hike to walk or even jog, but because of the overgrown bush it was becoming a danger healthwise and safety wise. We responded at the request of the Minister and we cleaned in those areas.”
He said Minister of Environment and National Beautification Adrian Forde is giving the country the assurance that he is in discussion with the Attorney General about the illegal dumping being seen in the island.
“It is at the stage of draft and a new suite of legislation will be coming to deal with those who are dumping illegally. We are going after the illegal dumpers because we would have done education, we would have warned you, but clearly what you are doing is not in keeping with the best possible health practice, not only of your trade but for the country.
“Each time you dump illegally it can block watercourses, it can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and we have cases of dengue in Barbados. We are also very concerned about the safety of Barbadians.”
The PRO also said that the SSA gives the assurance that with the restrictions in place as a result of COVID, everything is being done to ensure that garbage is removed in a timely manner. “Of course we will respect all protocols laid out by the government. We are proud to be on the front-line adding to the well-being of Barbadians during this time.
“We would also wish to say to Barbadians, respect your sanitation loaders and drivers by doing the right thing. By that we mean ensure that your waste is bagged properly; that you sanitise your bins before and after use;observe your protocols as well so that we can our staff being safe as we work to keep you safe as well. We support Barbados in this fight and together we know that we can beat COVID 19,” Padmore said. (JH)