In view of the growing risks to public health posed by the recent Dengue outbreak, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Belize City Council, the BML, CYDP and other community activists, are launching a massive cleanup campaign this weekend in Belize city.
Director of Health services Dr. Michael Pitts says the cleanup campaign will target primarily those areas on the southside where the environment is ripe for the spread of Dengue.
Dr. Michael Pitts, Director Of Health Services
"We are saying we are targeting the areas where you have the major problems with dengue in the city and we are saying that there needs to be a marshalling of our resources it might not be just the city council resources, but health, city council, ministry of works, and any other agency that can help with a public health concern. In doing this you always run the risk that people find this as an avenue to correct other things, so there is always that risk with it."
Jim McFadzean
"So I guess this is where the deputy comes in. Isn't this going to complicate the life of the sanitation department at the city council?"
Phillip Willoughby, Deputy Mayor
"No, I don't think so I am of the view that after this information has been disseminated than any other residents or commercial businesses outside of the targeted zone will have to consider dealing with the council on the bylaws that govern how we deal with garbage. In particular the Kings Park area, Buttonwood Bay area, Belama area and other area within the city who would not fall with the parameters in dealing with this dengue situation at this moment."
Jim McFadzean
"Yes because the concern is that those people who would want to evade having to pay for getting rid of their garbage will take this opportunities. Is that where we are coming from?"
Phillip Willoughby, Deputy Mayor
"By and large a great extent. Also we have to take into consideration the tourism sector. Let's say that if we haven't service an area that waste or that garbage will remain there until we have the time to service the area."
Jim McFadzean
"That in itself will become a health problem."
Phillip Willoughby, Deputy Mayor
"That in itself will be coordinated on both the residents side and the council side."
The campaign starts on Saturday morning and will end on Sunday afternoon.
