Indiscriminate Dumping and Lack of Funding Hinders National Cleaning Exercise
The National Solid Waste Management Authorities is grappling with the detrimental impacts of widespread littering and insufficient funding, which hinder their capacity to clear drains in Antigua effectively.
Michael Joseph, the Chairman of Solid Waste, has initiated a comprehensive effort to clean drains throughout the country, targeting over fifty significant waterways.
According to him, these waterways interconnect with smaller ones, emphasizing the drainage system’s interconnected nature.
The primary project is crucial for mitigating flood damage during intense rainfall, particularly as we enter the Hurricane Season. According to Joseph, the public’s littering has played a significant role in exacerbating this issue.
Joseph explained that a recent flood in the Jennings area affected many residents.
He said when their teams investigated, they found out that someone had dumped an old car in a natural waterway.
According to him, the car blocked the water flow during heavy rains, leading to major flooding in the area. Joseph expressed concern about the recurring issue of cleaning up the area due to irresponsible dumping.
He also pointed to the challenges of funding the authority’s operations, citing a decline in funding due to a waiver of the Environment Levy tax and a drop in visitor payments during the summer.
He emphasized the need to protect funding sources, especially with the upcoming hurricane season.
Despite these challenges, drain clearings and gutter flushing operations are ongoing to address flooding issues in various areas.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2024/06/11/indiscriminate-dumping-and-lack-of-funding-hinders-national-cleaning-exercise. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Faithful national June 11, 2024, 9:08 AM