National Cleanup Campaign postponed due to threat of Tropical Storm Matthew
The next phase of the National Cleanup Campaign has been postponed until further notice, in view of the potential threat of Tropical Storm Matthew to Jamaica.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, whose Ministry is spearheading the Campaign, noted that all partners in the Campaign have been advised of the latest developments.
“We recently completed a successful exercise in Hanover, and people have responded positively to the sensitization meetings, and also to the call to bring out their bulky waste for collection. The next phase is to be implemented in Trelawny, and our preparations are well advanced, so I am satisfied that our momentum should not be unduly dented by the potential threat of this Tropical Storm.”
In noting that the Government has activated all emergency mechanisms in the event of the weather system coming to Jamaica, Minister McKenzie also urged communities across the country to take preventive measures.
“We have appealed for a greater effort at cleanliness in private and public spaces, to fight against the Zika virus among other things. However, keeping spaces, including all our gullies and other waterways free from garbage and solid waste, is also an effective defensive mechanism against the higher levels of storm water that normally accompany any weather system of this nature.”
The Local Government Minister also gave the assurance that the Ministry, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Local Authorities are continuing to make appropriate arrangements for the possibility of the storm reaching Jamaica.
