The first day of the Portland eight-day clean-up campaign got off to a good start on June 4 with teams removing truckloads of old cars, garbage and building materials from the streets of Port Antonio.

Leading the charge was Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie.

Several teams were dispatched from as early as 6:30 am to begin the removal exercise, much to the delight of residents.

McKenzie, who took part in the event, said he was happy for the positive response of the residents. Portland, he said, must adopt proper disposal practices and eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.

“We have also issued a number of tickets for building materials that are stored on sidewalks. Some people have asked for time and we’re going to extend some discretion, but in cases where the building materials are in the roadway, we’re going to remove them,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that there would have to be continuity with the exercise for it to be effective.

The clean-up is being supported by several agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Social Development Commission, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Ministry of Works, the police, and the fire brigade.

On June 7, teams were dispatched to Buff Bay, Spring Gardens, Woodstock, Plum Valley, White River, Cotton Tree, and Mount Vernon, while today the teams will move to Trinity, Cascade, and Balcares.

Teams will go to Hope Bay, Orange Bay, Shrewsberry, Skibo, Mount Vernon, St Margaret’s Bay, Bybrook, and Wydal on June 9, while on June 10 they will move on to Manchioneal, Hectors River, Long Road, Grange Hill, Belle Castle and Scotch Run.

On Saturday, the final day of the campaign, team members will go to Sun Shore, Muirton Penn, Reach, and Kensington.

— JIS