KINGSTON, Jamaica – Former local government minister and Opposition spokesperson, Noel Arscott, is expressing concern about the “noticeable” pile-up of garbage across the island and particularly in the urban areas.

“With ZIKV and dengue rampantly spreading, we cannot allow the build-up of waste as this could cause other illnesses to come about and seriously affect the health of Jamaicans,” Arscott noted.

Admitting that he is unsure of the reason for the garbage-filled streets and what is happening at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Arscott pointed to Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie’s “apparent failure” to keep urban areas clean.

“We are calling on the head of the government to let the voting taxpayers of the country know why their refuse is not being collected and what’s the plan to urgently address this possible health issue,” Arscott said.

He added that the collection of garbage is fundamental to the running of any city and country where the residents are considered to be important.

“Matters of health pertaining to our people must be prioritised and therefore, timely garbage collection is critical to this, so the government must act now,” Arscott charged.