Alleviating mosquito infestation across the country – NDCs, citizens urged to do their part

DPI, GUYANA, Monday, January 29, 2018

Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen, is calling on Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to play their part in alleviating mosquito infestation across the country.

The mosquito trajectory (route) is common to areas in Region Six and Region Five, particularly before the rainy season.  Stephens explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that though environmental health officers are equipped with the necessary skills to reduce the instance of this vector, NDCs must ensure that certain practices and behaviours are maintained to alleviate the infestation.

“We have met with NDCs and asked them to assist us to ensure that within their NDCs there are no clogged drains, there is a reduction of overgrown bushes where mosquitoes mostly breed, properly covered drums, and properly disposed of solid waste,” Stephens underscored.

In most instances, when these measures are not maintained the department is forced to use fogging as a last resort to control the mosquito infestation. According to Stephens, the vector control department has a staff complement of 12 officers and is equipped with three vehicles and two fogging machines. The fogging exercise is now extended to the 16 NDCs and three municipalities. “So the process takes longer than we would have anticipated, but we’re calling on the NDCs to play their part so that going forward we can have this done differently,” Stephens reiterated.

Two weeks ago fogging commenced in New Amsterdam area. Stephens encouraged that citizens play their part also and practice hygienic measures such as having disposal bins in which to store their refuse and weeding their parapets.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur

 

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