We need a stakeholders’ approach to cleaning the city

Dear Editor,

I wish to commend the decision taken by the Ministry of Local Government to come to the rescue of the city council to rid the city of the piles of garbage that have been accumulating in the city. It is a shame that Georgetown which was once described as a ‘Garden’ city has been allowed to deteriorate to such a sorry state. Georgetown has now been reduced to a ‘Garbage’ city.

This does not speak well of us as a country, especially in the eyes of tourists and visitors. It is clear that the city council is incapable of removing the garbage which has now become not only unsightly but a major health hazard. What is needed is a stakeholders’ approach to cleaning the city involving the city council, central government, the business community and private citizens.

In this regard, credit should be given to the Minister of Housing and Water, Mr Irfaan Ali for beautifying the place adjacent to the Parliament Building which has been transformed from an eyesore to a beautiful recreational site. Parliament Building, and for that matter the entire surroundings have been greatly enhanced by the beautification works done by the Housing Ministry.

Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally