Squatting remains major bugbear in G/town - King

Squatting remains major bugbear in G/town – King

Sep 10, 2010 News

Squatters are responsible for 80 percent of garbage found in city canals, a development which according to Public Relations Officer within the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, Royston King, has serious public health implications.
King’s remark comes in wake of the commencement of critical drainage works at the West Ruimveldt, Front Road canal. Among the works being undertaken there is the clearing of aquatic growth and the removal of garbage and silt.
The works, King said, are intended to help prevent current blockage of the canal, and estimated to cost about $6M. However, it is expected that once completed it will serve to improve drainage of West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Alexander Village and Albouystown.
The PRO noted that Council is faced with the major challenge of the presence of numerous squatters on the reserve along the waterway. This, he stressed, will affect the operation of drainage equipment and the actual works on the canal.
A report from the City Engineer’s Department stated that squatters are responsible for a significant amount of garbage found in the canals and could impact the health of citizens in the city. King related that it was some time ago that the municipality and the Central Housing and Planning Authority had commenced discussion on the relocation of the ill-placed squatters – a move he believes should be reactivated.
In the meantime, the council is appealing to squatters on the reserve of various canals in the city to desist from dumping waste in the waterways. The provision of an effective drainage system for the city is a core service of the municipality.
It was just last year that the municipality had cause to express concern over the persistent problem of littering in the city caused by squatters which King had disclosed even then was becoming a constant worry.
“Many of these squatters do not have the requisite receptacle for proper disposal of refuse. As a result, they dump their garbage in the canal.”
Garbage and other waste matter provide an appropriate environment for aggressive aquatic growth which in turn provides breeding places for mosquitoes. King pointed out that squatting on reserves continue to negatively affect the council’s already very limited resources and thus negatively impact developmental works in other areas the municipality has responsibility for.
For this reason, he said that “the council is calling upon all squatters to dispose of their garbage in a proper manner; assist by talking to their friends and neighbours about keeping their surroundings clean…They should have receptacles in their yards.”
The municipality had also since last year proposed an education programme to help citizens better understand the importance of a clean and healthy environment, a move which is yet to bear fruit. And even as efforts were being engaged to address the litter problem, King had highlighted that the municipality was and still is worried about the number of homeless people living and sleeping around public facilities and monuments, in the city, a situation which exists to date.
“Many of these people rummage through garbage bins and leave the place in an untidy manner,” he highlighted.
It was for this reason that the Constabulary and Solid Waste Management Department was mandated to do its utmost to prevent those who appear to have veered off the approved path, from emptying bins in search of what they consider desirable waste to sleeping on benches and pavements.
However it was related by King that “the challenge is bigger than the council. It really calls for a collective effort by all stakeholders to treat with it.”

Latest News

Squatting remains major bugbear in G/town – King

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Ken Corsbie – a Guyana Basketball legend passes at 94

Imlach masterclass 126, Alimohamed 66-ball 77,...

Fraser rebounds well, as Arjoon keeps perfect...

Guyana to host historic 3×3 Quest Tournament

Quarter-Finals in Mashramani Street Football...

Vurlon Mills Football Academy launches KFC...

Features/Columnists

Due diligence on investments must become a priority

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Awestruck and starstruck with a twist

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Squatting remains major bugbear in G/town – King

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]