The Department of Health Protection is working feverishly to rid Anguilla of masses of solid waste material littering various parts of the island particularly with the onset of the 2018 hurricane season. But, in order to do an effective job, there is need for a suitable crane truck to replace the one that has been written off as shown above.
In the meantime, the Department, through its Director, Mr. Ambrell Richardson, has expressed gratitude to a number of patriotic persons, including Basil Brooks, and others, who have voluntarily embarked on collecting and piling-up solid waste debris from bush areas for disposal. The debris was deposited in the bushes, and other places, by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and can now be dangerous flying objects if another hurricane should strike Anguilla.
In an effort to support the work of the volunteers, the Department employed three solid waste loaders (workers) last month to replace two deceased workers (one of whom was killed by Hurricane Irma), and another worker who is retiring this month.
The Department of Health Protection is still offering a free bulky waste removal service to members of the public but who are required to complete an application form.
Currently, the Department has been using an unsatisfactory and inadequate means to remove and transport solid-waste and, as stated earlier, is in need of a suitable crane truck. Efforts are being made by the Department to obtain such a useful vehicle. Its purpose is not only to remove and dump the collected galvanise sheets, but derelict and abandoned vehicles as well.
The Department’s G163 crane truck was deemed not road worthy by the Department of Infrastructure, and has been out of operation for about two to three years. Proposals are being considered to obtain a requisite vehicle, but the cost is a prohibiting factor. That’s where donors can come in to make a contribution to a worthy cause.
