The Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Division of the Winston Scott Polyclinic, in conjunction with businesses responsible for the Garrison heritage site, will now undertake the clean-up exercise of the area on Saturday, October 22, at 7:30 a.m.
The clean-up was scheduled for Saturday, October 8, but was postponed because of inclement weather.
According to the Ministry of Health, this area, located at the back of the old Ju-C factory in Bay Street, St. Michael, is part of the buffer zone of the Garrison heritage site and is a naturally forested site, home to many varieties of vegetation.
However, some structural deficiencies have caused flooding and refuse to collect in a nearby canal. As a result, the area is now in a state of disrepair, and has become a site for illegal dumping and mosquito breeding. Moreover, because of the fragile state of the eco-system, machinery cannot be used to remove the accumulated waste.
The support of the public is needed in the clean-up initiative. Persons interested in participating are asked to wear light coloured clothing, jeans preferably, tough sturdy shoes, water boots and rubber gloves. Participants are also advised to bring bottled water for rehydration. The involved agencies apologise for any inconvenience the change in date has caused.