KINGSTON, Jamaica — Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the opposition, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has called on executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Jennifer Edwards to “move with greater urgency in ensuring the efficient and effective collection of garbage across the island”.

“We continue to be concerned about the effect this pile up may have on the spread of the high risk chikungunya virus,” Young Jamaica general secretary Rohan Walsh said in a release Monday morning.

The organization said it last week pointed to the challenges posed by  the chikungunya virus ahead of the new school term unless regular garbage collection occurs at schools across the island.

“The NSWMA must now be required to fulfil its mandate, and do its part in preventing the spread of this high risk virus,” Walsh said.

“Since our release urging caution ahead of the new school term, a situation of unacceptable garbage pile up at the entrance of New Providence Primary was brought to the organization’s attention.

It is of particular concern that New Providence Primary is only meters away from the National Chest Hospital.

“The lacklustre approach being taken by Ms Edwards towards proper solid waste management has now forced the organization to question her ability to effectively manage the island’s waste authority”.

“The head of the PNP’s Women Movement has no excuse; she should step up or step out,” said Walsh.