Local Govt. Ministry targets delinquent Environmental Health Officers

Jan 25, 2013 News

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In an effort to tackle the issue of the non-performance of Environmental Health Officers (EHO) across the country, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry on Wednesday hosted a workshop.
This was held at the International Convention Centre at Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara, and was attended by approximately 95 Environmental Health Officers from the 10 administrative regions.

Among the EHOs, are the Environmental Health Assistants (EHAs) and the Senior Environmental Health Officers (SEHOs) stationed at Local Government organs including the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), and Municipalities.
Present at the head table were Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Norman Whittaker; Permanent Secretary to the said Ministry, Collin Croal, and Director of the Central Board of Health, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud.
The workshop was held under the theme ‘Enhancing the practice of Environmental Public Health in the Local Government System’, and aimed at educating EHOs about their roles and responsibilities to their respective communities.
According to Whittaker, it was during the Ministry’s recently concluded annual retreat that a review was done into the performances of Local Government staff in the various sectors and programs. This evaluation revealed that Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) were underperforming; being paid to do little or nothing. It was as a result of this that the workshop was put together.
Whittaker said that the Ministry realized that something needed to be done to address the issue of the delivery of services, timeliness, and quality of works being carried out.
The Minister also pointed out the importance that EHOs play within their respective communities. He said it is the duty of EHOs to educate, inform, and create awareness of the consequences and repercussions of acts like improper garbage disposal, road side vending, as well as noise and other nuisances.
Minister Whittaker emphasised that the Ministry’s intention is to develop a competent work force, however, such cannot be achieved unless the personnel apply themselves.
While he advised the EHOs to familiarize themselves with Local Government Act 28:02 and Chapter 1:45 of the Public Health Act, Whittaker also asked that the EHOs not allow themselves to be confined by just quoting legislation conveniently.
In addition, Whittaker pointed out that the Ministry has received a number of complaints from residents of the various communities across the country, against EHOs. These complaints included the untimely response to approval of plans and some officers accepting money before doing the work for which they are being paid by the Ministry.
He added that some EHOs do not even report to the NDCs which have jurisdiction over the areas in which they were expected to be operating. Senior Environmental Health Officers, he said, do not even attend the RDC meetings as they are supposed to.
Whittaker also pointed out that some persons are not even sure as to whom they are being employed by. He therefore advised firmly that the EHOs who are not sure who they are working for, should find out who pays them.
Whittaker reflected on the 1960s and 70s era when the streets were cleaned and drains were unclogged. He attributed this to the fact that Environmental Health Inspectors were prompt in carrying out their duties, and because each community took responsibility for its environment.
The Minister also advised the EHOs to familiarize themselves with their environs and the people living within. He added that EHOs must be active with members of the community in ensuring that they succeed in the important work that they do in ensuring environmental safety.
Issues targeted included abattoirs operating in unsanitary conditions, unbearable stench emanating from poultry farms in residential areas, street side vending and others.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, in his presentation, highlighted the legal components attached to the office of the EHO. The last act tabled in the National Assembly, he said, focused on public health practitioners. The Allied Health Professionals Act requires that all public health officers be registered and annually licenced by the medical council in order to execute their duties.
In addition to this, EHOs are also mandated to attend at least four medical education programmes. The credits for these must be attained before being licenced to practice in Guyana.
Dr. Persaud also emphasised that this aspect aids in advancing the officer’s education and capabilities.
He pointed out that public health in Guyana goes back to the colonial past when the Public Health Ordinance was created in 1934. Since then, many countries have evolved, nevertheless Guyana’s old ordinance remains. He said however, that the ordinance is expected to be upgraded sometime in the future.

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