Mayor of Bartica desires citizens’ participation

Jan 17, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
An Integrated Solid Waste Management Program is critical to a Cleaner Greener Bartica. A year ago, solid waste management was a burden, an environmental crisis, a health hazard. Today, with the support of Government and stake holders we are doing much better but a distance off from where we should be. With a small population of just under 15,000, we are committed to modelling best waste disposal practices, practices that will not only enhance the aesthetics of the Township but positively impact the health of its citizenry. Council is presently spending millions of dollars per month to keep Bartica clean which includes managing the Byderabo dumpsite. This site was recently rehabilitated by the Town Council through funding from the Government.
In the year 2017, the municipality will be placing greater emphasis on sensitization. An educated populace on Integrated Solid Waste Management may be the answer to a Cleaner Greener Bartica.
The incident of an international institution burning documents at our “dumpsite” on Wednesday 11th January, resulting in a massive fire, the continued littering of our parapets with construction waste by some contractors and the dumping of garbage on sections of our reserves and beaches are cause for much worry.
What is common on all fronts is the “We did not know” exclamation. Unfortunate as it may be, it highlights the challenges the municipality has in moving forward. We can no longer continue to only invest in machinery and equipment; we must invest in the populace as well. Therefore, a massive sensitization program, targeting every resident has now become a priority. Residents, businesses and institutions must understand their responsibility in achieving the goal of a cleaner, greener Bartica. It must not be taken for granted or assumed that the citizenry understand or know. The municipality by no means can do it alone. Stakeholders’ participation through education will make a tremendous difference.
Gifford Marshall
Mayor of Bartica

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