Vending outside Big Market to be regularised, dumping still a problem

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) says it is taking steps to regularise vending in front of Stabroek Market and added that it is alarmed at the increasing amount of refuse accumulating in different sections of the city.

In a press release, the M&CC said it is finalising arrangements to allow vending in front of the market to improve the image and environment of that area and its environs. The council said this falls under its beautification programme and is seeking citizens’ co-operation to effect this change. However, the M&CC said it is concerned that despite an increase in the frequency of clearing by the Solid Waste Management Department refuse is still appearing at different sections of the city. The problem persists even in areas where the council has placed receptacles for citizens’ convenience.

A public health report said many households do not have bins to properly dispose of garbage and as a result some persons indulge in dumping on parapets and along road-sides. According to the City By-Laws, under the section titled Scavenging and Cleansing every premises must have a receptacle that is moveable, made of material to be prescribed by the council and, in the case of dwelling houses, of a capacity not exceeding three cubic feet and for business premises and hotels, not exceeding 12 cubic feet. Also, every such receptacle must be provided with a well-fitting cover and must be kept covered at all times.

In an attempt to address this problem the Public Health, City Constabulary, Solid Waste Management and Public Relations departments are embarking on an aggressive campaign to enforce these regulations. Persons who have neglected these responsibilities will be prosecuted and their names will be published in the press. Therefore, the M&CC appeals to citizens to ensure that they have the requisite receptacle at their premises to dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner.