KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Two Portmore communities will benefit from the National Labour Day Project, which will see major clean-up activities to identify and eradicate mosquito- breeding sites.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, made the announcement today (May 6) at the launch of National Workers’ Week and Labour Day at a ceremony held at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The communities – Gregory Park and Washington Mews– will have volunteers and representatives from the ministries of Local Government and Community Development; Labour and Social Security; and Health, carrying out cleaning-up activities during National Workers’ Week, from May 15 to Labour Day, May 23.

Holness made a special appeal for residents of Portmore to volunteer to help with the initiative.

“Together we will try to have an impact on breeding sites for mosquitoes and to reduce the spread of the Zika virus in Jamaica,” he said.

Portmore recorded five of the six verified cases of the vector-borne Zika Virus in Jamaica.

The Prime Minister noted that due to the dense population and large network of marshes and drains in the area, Portmore is at high risk for transmission of the disease.

Some 135 homes will be visited by teams from the Ministry of Health who will inspect and advise residents on proper domestic care and how to prevent mosquito breeding. The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will also be on site to cart away debris cleared.

The Gregory Park Basic School will receive cleaning, bushing and painting as well as general landscaping. The school’s play area will also be rehabilitated.

Holness said he has given instruction to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for particular focus to be placed on Portmore communities for the long term, in ensuring drains are cleaned and that there is routine fogging.

National Workers’ Week and Labour Day are being observed under the theme: ‘For Health’s Sake, Keep it Clean’. It focuses on the concept of linking healthy outcomes to a clean environment.