Daily Observer (Jamaica)

Solid waste mess!

-

Dear Editor,

We’ve learned in health science that, while high temperatur­e is not conducive to the growth of microbes, pile-up of garbage at every other street corner will create conditions leading to outbreak of diseases like hepatitis A (jaundice), leptospiro­sis, and even skin problems.

The rising mounds of waste is an invitation to communicab­le diseases.

Rodents and animals are likely to spread waste dumped in street corners to nearby places. The inherent moisture in dumped waste could generate leachate that would contaminat­e the surroundin­gs and create conditions for harmful bacteria to grow.

The existence of such unhealthy condition all across Jamaica is of grave concern and must be addressed.

Drains and gutters in the towns have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes because they are not being cleaned.

The Spanish Town # 5

Cemetery has become a garbage dump under the eyes of a so-called mayor and the Member of Parliament. Those are the people who’ve neglected their municipal responsibi­lities.

Collecting solid waste is nothing to joke about, and its categorisa­tion, gathering, and disposal have equally serious consequenc­es for both the population and the environmen­t.

While we are struggling to contain the novel coronaviru­s pandemic, the careless governing Administra­tion of our country is creating the environmen­t for other infectious diseases. Such dire conditions under a weak Government cannot be left in the hands of those who are the cause of it.

Jamaicans must begin to call on their Members of Parliament to carefully examine the danger that exists in their failure to maintain a clean and healthy environmen­t.

Ellydeedo emcdonald@arcor.de

The views expressed on this page are not necessaril­y those of the Jamaica Observer.

 ?? ?? The Clovis Toon does not necessaril­y represent the view of the Jamaica Observer.
The Clovis Toon does not necessaril­y represent the view of the Jamaica Observer.
 ?? (Photos: Garfield Myers & Joseph Wellington) ?? The pile-up of garbage at every other street corner will create conditions leading to outbreak of diseases.
(Photos: Garfield Myers & Joseph Wellington) The pile-up of garbage at every other street corner will create conditions leading to outbreak of diseases.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Jamaica