NSWMA and NWA call on Jamaicans to help reduce mosquito-breeding sites

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the National Works Agency (NWA) are appealing to Jamaicans to play their part in helping to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites in light of the possible entry of the Zika virus into Jamaica.

The mosquito-borne virus has been spreading throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and has been linked to a brain defect in newborn babies and a condition which causes paralysis.

Interim executive director of the NSWMA, Colonel Daniel Pryce, says the NSWMA has been seeking to improve its garbage collection.

He is promising that solidwaste will be collected from communities at least once a week.

However, Colonel Pryce says Jamaicans must ensure they take steps, such as properly separating and bagging their garbage for disposal, to reduce mosquito-breeding sites.

Meanwhile, communications and customer services manager at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, says Jamaicans living along gullies and other waterways must take some of the responsibility for keeping them clean.

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Both men were speaking on Independent Talk on Power 106FM this morning.