The unending garbage war

Jun 14, 2013 Letters

Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to extend gratitude and appreciation to the hardworking staff of NDIA and most importantly coming from A and B Field Sophia, respectively, for the job well done, clearing of debris on the Merriman Mall between Albert and Light Streets, Bourda; despite the challenges they encountered during the exercise. The waste was all placed in garbage bags and was eventually loaded in a truck and taken away.
As customary, on the morning of June 5, 2013, while I was cleaning my parapet, I observed men and women clothed in protective gears clearing the entrance to the Merriman Mall, which overtime has become the dumpsite for most persons, either living outside or within the environs of Bourda. Enthusiastic of the operations, I immediately accosted them to ascertain which agency they were from; there I was told that they were assigned to the NDIA section.
Whilst conversing with them, it was brought to my attention that amongst the debris, they were confronted with faeces, undergarments, condoms among others. As I stood watching helplessly, I empathized with them, being cognizant of the fact that they are human beings, just as those who exhibit uncaring attitude towards their fellow human beings.
The Mayor and City Council for some time now has been experiencing major financial woes, regarding the collection of rates and taxes in a timely manner, which is therefore utilized for effectively maintaining the capital city. Thus, they are unable to do, due to the fact that delinquent property owners and business entities failing to make the necessary payments to the City Council.
Further, it has been recognized that over the past few weeks that a number of areas have been cleared of their garbage, which in my view is a good way to start. The big question is sustainability. When all is done, what measures are put in place to remedy the situation?
With our environment in this unsightly state, the major concern that should be hitting our consciousness is the impact on our health. Research has shown the health effects of garbage as follows: Phthalate, a chemical present found in plastic wrap, soft plastic toys and plastic medical equipment, is known to interfere with human hormone functions. Similarly, industrial solvents like trichloroethylene, an artificial chlorinated solvent widely used in industry to remove grease from metal parts and textiles, and perchloroethylene, a chemical mainly used as a dry-cleaning agent, are of great concern because they are considered to be carcinogenic to humans.
In addition to organic toxins, dangerous heavy metals such as lead from old paint, mercury from alkaline batteries, or cadmium contained in e-waste such as old cell phones and computer monitors are extremely poisonous to animals and humans.
Regarding “Garbage and Global Warning”, researchers have concluded that the decomposition of organic wastes releases poisonous gases such as methane and carbon dioxide into the environment, both of which are greenhouse gases – gases that are proven to trap solar heat, causing warmer climates across the globe. Methane, the main gas in landfill emissions, is 25 times more potent in terms of climate warming than CO2.
From all indications, it seems as though those guilty of dumping refuge around the city do so whenever the opportunity presents itself. At every vacant land, garbage dumpsites emerge. A classical example, the recent demolished St. Barnabas Church on Regent Street Bourda, where there is an existing school that area has now become a dumpsite.
On High Street opposite the Trinity Methodist Church on the western side, there is a vacant land, which has now become a dump site for refuge. At the corner of East and Quamina Streets, on the shoulders of the road; the area has now become another outlet for the collection of garbage.
Noticeably in that area, on the poles, there are signs indicating to persons where they should dispose of garbage. I applaud the person(s) for such initiative. There is need for continuous public awareness on garbage disposal and its impact on the environment. The shoulders of some roadways have become dumping sites, to mention a few, Church Street Bourda, Mandela Avenue, Hunter Street Albouystown, to name a few.
I would like to quote the inspiring phrase by the late Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples”.
Annette Ferguson

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The unending garbage war

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