The Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification is recommending to Cabinet the implementation of legislation that would allow a system of tickets and fines for Barbadians who refuse to clean vacant lots they own.
Stressing that individuals are duty bound to take care of their properties, Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, the Honourable Adrian Forde, told the House of Assembly this morning that there had been enough talking on the subject and it was time for action.
The minister also sent a stern warning to persons who dump waste in gullies, equating the practice to “involuntary suicide”, since the items dumped have the potential to contaminate the island’s water supply.
During the discussion, General Manager of the Sanitation Service Authority, Janis Jones, explained that while her agency was often involved in cleaning up these illegal dump sites, it was not part of their mandate. The SSA, she added, is responsible by law for the curbside collection of household refuse — but it also does provide bulky waste collection facilities for households.
However, from time to time they are called on to assist the Ministry of Health and Wellness in removing garbage from gullies, and the general manager pleaded with Barbadians to desist from the practice.