WESTERN BUREAU: The Trelawny Health department says it needs at least half a million dollars to carry out a mosquito control and eradication programme in the parish.

“Actually we need more than that ($500,000), but that amount will help us to deal with the emergency situation that we now have,” Dr Rao Ponnada, the medical officer for the parish, said.

Since the recent heavy rains, residents in several communities in the parish have been complaining about the high level of mosquito infestation in their homes.

Ponnada said, however, that his department was aware of the problem and would be taking steps to deal with the situation.

“Last week we submitted estimates totalling $500,000 to the Ministry of Health for the programme and we are hoping that we will get the necessary funding very soon,” Ponnada said.

Ponnada added that he hoped the health ministry will respond positively to the needs of the Trelawny health department, as it has no money to undertake the programme at this time.

A source close to the parish’s Health Department told the Observer that the medical body is also in dialogue with the Western Regional Health Authority to get permission to divert funds earmarked for some of its projects, to the mosquito eradication programme.

Areas targeted for oiling and fogging under the programme include Falmouth, Hague, Martha Brae, Holland Coral Spring, Salt Marsh and Rock.