THE National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) said yesterday it stands ready to partner with the Ministry of Health, the local authorities, community groups and residents in the national effort to rid the country of mosquito- breeding areas as the country grapples with the spread of the Chikungunya virus.

Executive Director of NSWMA Jennifer Edwards had previously indicated that the authority is already challenged to collect regular waste due to a shortage of units despite the support of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

“In implementing any national effort, in addition to reducing the breeding grounds, consideration must be given to an intense and sustained public education programme which emphasises personal responsibility of citizens to protect themselves and to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas,” the NSWMA said in a release issued yesterday.

According to NSWMA, the clean-up activity must be organised and be done on a phased basis- starting with the worst affected and most vulnerable areas in order for it to be effective.

“It should be noted that the NSWMA in addition to assisting with a clean-up campaign is obligated to collect and dispose of waste which is generated daily in every household as well as to clean schools and other institutions,” she said.

According to the NSWMA, any misconception that the entity responsible for garbage collection would not participate in a clean-up campaign is unfortunate.

“We assure Jamaica that we will always be a central partner with the local authorities and the public health department in an effort to keep Jamaica clean, ” the authority said, adding that it has partnered in the past with Recycle Partners of Jamaica, Jamaica Environment Trust, Labour Day

Secretariat, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and numerous NGOs and private sector organisations.

The NSWMA said it stands ready to do so again in the future.

“Additionally, we will continue the efforts started by our regional offices and community relations officers to have scheduled collection of bulky waste from communities and meet with residents to implement proper waste management practices.”