$1.1B to tackle refuse problem -Minister Dharamlall

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall says the proposed $1.1 billion budgetary allocation for sanitation management would be invested in addressing the refuse problem that has plagued the nation for years.

The Minister made this statement during his interview on NCN’s “Budget in Focus” on Tuesday. 

The Government intends to create an integrated sanitation management system in keeping with its goal to elevate citizens’ quality of life.

To this end, sums were budgeted for the completion of Cell II of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Site, even as preparations are being made to close Cell I. The landfill currently intakes about 350 to 400 tonnes per day. The amount is even greater when it receives solid waste from areas outside of Region Four.

Minister Dharamlall has also committed to ensuring that landfill sites are established in Regions Three and Five to enhance sanitation there.

“Last year-end for the city of Georgetown, we spent quite a substantial amount of resources to clean up Georgetown and that will intensify across the country again this year. I think part of the vision of His Excellency is that we have to transform the country into one that we are proud of and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will be leading that effort,” he added.

At the same time, the Minister said citizens must play their part by disposing their refuse properly.

“I would like to make the clarion call to all residents to ensure that they treat this issue of solid waste management because it also represents us as a people, you know, it is an image issue. We find that businesses also present part of the challenge as well… His Excellency had indicated publicly as well, that businesses should also start making sure that solid waste management is part of their cost centre,” Minister Dharamlall added.

To further advance this objective, Community Enhancement Workers would be employed to assist in their community’s infrastructural development, beyond their initial requirement to clear and clean parapets.

Market upgrades

Additionally, Minister Dharamlall said, the Ministry would soon start $30 million rehabilitation works on Charity market.

“Some vendors have taken over the drains. In the prime location of Charity, they have taken over shacks and stalls on the road, on top of drains and so we have to regularise it. We have so far gotten the support of the residents, but we have to create the enabling environment and so once that is finished we expect Charity to look different and manage differently,” he said.

The Minister added that $70 million has also been earmarked to continue the Ministry’s ongoing works at the Mon Repos market.

And concerning the postponed rehabilitation works on the East Ruimveldt and La Penitence markets, Minister Dharamlall said he would engage vendors and residents on the issue.

Upgrades have also been planned for other markets and sums have been proposed for the restoration of the City Hall.