Govt takes over garbage grounds

Chaminda PERERA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ordered officials to take over all garbage dumping grounds maintained by the Local Government institutions under Government supervision in terms of the Emergency Regulations.

The Special Gazette Notification in this respect will be issued by the President in due course.

The President made this Order at a meeting with health authorities to discuss Health Ministry initiatives to control the dengue menace. Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva explained in detail the plan of action put in place by the Ministry islandwide to combat the dengue epidemic. The Health Ministry imported over 10,000 litres of bacteria from Cuba to destroy the dengue larvae.

This consignment of bacteria has been dispatched to Kurunegala, Ratnapura and Puttalam districts where dengue cases were reportedly higher.

President Rajapaksa said the Health Ministry should continue the research on bacteria imported from Cuba and develop a way that can be more effective in destroying the dengue larvae. “Our researchers jointly with other organisations should be constantly engaged in research to develop a way to eradicate this menace,” the President said. He said the Government can take legal action against local Government bodies failing to collect garbage from households but the question lies where these garbage are dumped.

“The Local Government authorities should make arrangements to ensure that garbage dumping places are covered by a thin layer of earth after dumping of garbage daily to avoid mosquito breeding places and environment pollution.”

It was disclosed at the meeting that a comprehensive program has been launched in 67 Divisional Secretariat divisions where the dengue epidemic is acute. This is a joint effort by Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Officers , Civil Defence Committee members, health officials and the public.

The program includes awareness campaigns, removal of mosquito breeding grounds and inspection of home gardens by Public Health Inspectors (PHIs). They will also take legal action against the householders and businessmen who do not take any action to remove mosquito breeding grounds.

Minister de Silva said the Ministry in collaboration with the Education Ministry has launched a special awareness campaign on dengue prevention for the student population throughout the country and hoped this initiative will help educate the parents on the dengue epidemic better.

Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage, Epidemiological Department Head Dr. Paba Palihawadana and Director (Public Health Services) Dr. Palitha Maheepala were among the officials who participated in the meeting.