The Department of Waste Management will be spearheading a cleanup campaign on Jost Van Dyke from July 4 to 6 in an effort to mitigate vector borne diseases like Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue Fever.

Manager, for the Department of Waste Management, Mr. Greg Massicote said Jost Van Dyke has been identified as a vector hotspot for the past two years and with the heightened awareness about vector borne diseases and the emergence of the latest vector disease  ZIKA, efforts will be made to ensure that the area is cleaned before the rainy season begins.

The cleanup will take place from July 4 to 6 and the community is asked to assemble their bulky waste including household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and washers for disposal.

Mr. Massicote said, “Two 20 cubic yard bins designated for bulky waste disposal only will be placed behind the Jost Van Dyke Primary School.  Persons who live on the eastern side of the island are being encouraged to take their bulky waste directly to the transfer station. Residents are also encouraged to clean their premises of bulky waste and take them to the designated areas.”

A team of sanitation officers has been designated to conduct general cleanup of the island’s main road and the department will also remove derelict vehicles and boats during the three day cleanup campaign.

Residents of Jost Van Dyke are asked to unite in the effort by conducting a general cleanup by removing all water holding receptacles such as old tires, discarded buckets, pots or pet feeding containers.  Uncovered water tanks, wells, and boats should be properly covered as these are potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The Department of Waste Management is committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of the Territory is enhanced by utilising state of the art waste management technology to ensure timely collection, disposal, and where possible, the recycling of waste.