Government Launches Large 1.3 Billion Dollar Campaign to Clean up Jamaica
“Between the NSWMA and the NWA, $1.3 billion has been allocated for a national clean-up campaign for the collection of bulky waste and the cleaning of waterlogged areas which are breeding sites for vectors.”
-Prime Minister Holness
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a substantial allocation of $1.3 billion towards the newly launched National Clean-up Program, which is part of the comprehensive recovery effort following Hurricane Beryl. This initiative is set to significantly enhance the maintenance of communities across Jamaica, while also eliminating mosquito breeding sites and improving community health and convenience.
“We have now allocated just over half a billion dollars to the NSWMA to conduct this program. This is a National Clean-up Program post-Beryl to contribute to the standing maintenance of the affected communities,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Prime Minister Holness continued: “When we complete this exercise, the mosquito problem will lessen as the breeding sites for the mosquitoes will be largely removed.”
Spanning a period of two weeks, the program will commence in Portmore, St. Catherine, with a workforce of 100 NSWMA employees.
With the government’s recent purchase of the 50 additional trucks, the NSWMA will be utilizing a fleet of tipper trucks, crane trucks, heavy-duty equipment, and chainsaws. Prime Minister Holness said the aim is to clear bulky waste, such as derelict vehicles and refrigerators, and plastics contributing to increased mosquito populations post-storm.
Moreover, the government has also allocated approximately $800 million to the National Works Agency (NWA) to clear blocked drains across Jamaica, particularly earthen drains, to alleviate waterlogged areas.
Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of these combined efforts, stating, “Between the NSWMA and the NWA, $1.3 billion has been allocated for a national clean-up campaign for the collection of bulky waste and the cleaning of waterlogged areas which are breeding sites for vectors.”
This significant financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to recovering from Hurricane Beryl and maintaining and improving the nation’s public health and infrastructure, especially as we approach the our 62nd anniversary of independence.
Prime Minister Holness was speaking on Wednesday (July 24) at the launch of the National Clean-up Program in Portmore, St. Catherine.