Stricter measures in place to address garbage pile-up around Stabroek Market – M&CC

The impending rainy season has heightened concerns over the accumulation of garbage in and around the capital city, and the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC’s) Solid Waste Management Department has intensified efforts to combat this pressing issue.
In a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Deputy Director of the M&CC’s Solid Waste Management Department, Floyd Rollins, disclosed that the department has taken a proactive approach in addressing the mounting pile-up of garbage, which often obstructs drainage systems and leads to potential risks of flooding, particularly in the Stabroek Market area.
“We have established street boundaries in the affected areas (in order) to conduct daily cleaning of both the drains and any accumulated waste. While this practice has been ongoing for years, we are now implementing enhanced systems to ensure consistent maintenance daily,” Rollins has said.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by vendors previously operating in these areas, Rollins noted there is currently an ease of operation due to the clearance of these spaces, and he emphasized the tangible impact of the M&CC’s cleaning efforts by stating, “The results of our work in the area are now more visible and effective.”
Rollins has, moreover, revealed that there are plans to bolster public awareness campaigns on proper garbage disposal practices and storage protocols during potential delays in waste collection services. While the exact timeline for the rollout of these initiatives is still being finalized, Rollins has assured that these initiatives would be implemented soon.
In a bid to curb the improper disposal of garbage citywide, Rollins mentioned, departmental staff members are actively monitoring contractors, conducting sensitization programmes, and urging citizens to refrain from contributing to the persistence of waste accumulation, particularly in the Stabroek Market area.
These proactive measures of the M&CC are aimed at mitigating the continuous build-up of waste and enhancing the overall cleanliness and sanitation standards in Georgetown, Rollins has explained.