THE St Mary Health Department and the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) are in the process of implementing a latrine- building programme in the parish.

St Mary's Acting Chief Public Health Inspector Michael McPherson said the initiative, which is to be funded by the National Health Fund, is expected to build scores of toilet facilities for residents across the parish.

McPherson informed the monthly sitting of the St Mary Parish Council last Thursday, that 29 such persons have so far been identified to benefit from the programme.

Given the limitations in funding for the initiative, McPherson said the facilities will be constructed free of cost only for the very needy.

Several councillors have already pointed out some areas in the parish where reports of improper or lack of toilet facilities are said to exist. Crane Park and Pagee are two such areas which were identified.

According to councillor for the Port Maria division Trecia Smiley, she has had reports of faeces being seen on the ground in Crane Park.

Meanwhile, concerns about a brown water substance coming from a building in Port Maria were also laid to rest after McPherson told councillors that based on a test carried out, the water was not sewage.

While the parish moves to address the improper disposal of excretory waste, one councillor has drawn attention to the improper disposal of garbage by several members of the business community in Highgate.

Councillor for the Highgate division and Deputy Mayor of Port Maria Paul Fyffe said the Highgate Market is currently being used as a community dump, creating a breeding ground for rodents.

He said there are reports that members of the business community dispose of their garbage at the facility.

But McPherson said if the perpetrators are caught they can be prosecuted. He explained to the council that business operators should have a contract with the National Solid Waste Management Authority for the collection of their waste.

If they do not have this arrangement, McPherson suggested that they be asked how they dispose of their garbage.