By Clive Simpson, Gleaner Writer
This section of the North Gully drain, which flows under the Howard Cooke Boulevard, in Montego Bay, is fast becoming a reservoir for solid waste and is a source of concern for residents. - Adrian Frater Photo
WESTERN BUREAU:
WHILE ACKNOWLEDGING that health and environmental issues are getting priority treatment from the Parish Council, the St. James Health Department is still quite worried about the state of public health in the parish.
In its report for October, which was presented at last Thursday's sitting of the St. James Parish Council, the local public health inspectorate's report noted health and environmental degradation continues to be "some of the challenges facing the municipality."
The list of health and environmental concerns outlined included the impact of squatting and unplanned development; improper and illegal discharge of wastewater; inadequate site sewage disposal systems; the improper disposal of solid waste, especially plastic bags; styrofoam in drains, gullies, and canals; and human encroachment on watersheds.
ENCROACHMENT
"It is very difficult for one to live on the river bank and not pollute the attendant river," Desmond Clarke, Chief Public Health Inspector for St. James told the Council, in highlighting the dangerous practice of encroachment.
"For one, there can be no proper facility on the river bank to accommodate human waste and that of itself is a serious health risk."
That problem is compounded by the fact that the river flows straight into the sea, said Mr. Clarke.
"That situation has serious implications for what we refer to as the improper and illegal discharge of waste, both on the streets or wherever, because once you have waste indiscriminately discharged it will eventually end up in the sea."
HEALTH CONSCIOUS
In inviting stakeholders to participate in health-conscious programmes, the inspectorate's report also spoke to the need for, "innovative strategies to convert the challenges and threats so that our environment will be given the chance to survive and permit human habitation for this generation and others to follow."
In reference to solid waste management, the Health Department report noted that there were problems in storage and infrequent collection, which invariably cause obnoxious odour, attract flies, rodents and scavengers; and cause spillage.
"The poor practice of our people in the wanton and indiscriminate disposal of wastes around containers remains an aesthetic nuisance," said Mr. Clarke.
"A significant portion of the solid waste management in the town must therefore target education of the populace from the formative years."
On a positive note, the report stated that there was a marked improvement in the management of refuse at many wayside skips throughout Montego Bay. However, it stated that structural damage to sections of some public drains has resulted in the reduction of free flow, and the pile up of debris in those drains serving the township, inner cities and sections of the commercial zone.
"This condition has contributed to the prolific breeding of mosquitoes," the report stated.
"This scenario creates a serious health risk for our people and visitors alike and the continued viability of Montego Bay as a tourist destination rests on the maintenance of these basic facilities."
