KSAC Launches Clean App

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) is making use of modern technology as it continues in its efforts to create a clean and safe city.

This is being done through the use of the LoveClean KSA mobile application (app), which was launched at a special function on Tuesday, August 27, in the Half-Way-Tree Square.

The app will enable ordinary citizens to report and post real-time images of environmental issues such as illegal buildings, uncollected garbage, and streetlight malfunctions so that they can be addressed by the relevant authorities. They will also be able to report potholes, littering and broken water mains to the Council for attention.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Kingston, Senator Angela Brown Burke, said the initiative is geared at further improving and developing the city of Kingston and its environs.

“We believe that people want to live in a clean and safe city, and so, our aim is to create a cleaner and safer environment for all citizens,” she remarked.

She encouraged citizens to partner with the Corporation in this significant initiative by downloading the app to their smart phone or computer.

Mrs. Brown Burke said the development of the app is an additional step by the Corporation to address the matter of slow response time, which is a matter of concern. “We know that it won’t happen overnight, we know that there are several things that have to come together and we are working on those things internally to improve our service to citizens,” she remarked.

The Mayor gave the commitment that the Corporation will do all in its power to correct the issues reported in a timely manner. “If you see us taking too long to respond, call us out on it,” she stated.

She noted that where the matter reported falls outside the remit of the KSAC, the Corporation will forward the information to the relevant Ministry or agency.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, who attended the launch, encouraged residents to partner with the Government and the KSAC in keeping the city clean and safe.

“It’s not possible for the KSAC alone to maintain the cleanliness of the city or to develop the clean culture that we require and so we are using this opportunity to try to get our citizens to become active participants in this initiative,” he said.

Mr. Arscott warned those who openly litter or men who urinate in public spaces to be aware that persons can now snap their photos and upload it to the Council’s website. “Be aware, you may be caught and placed on the website and this thing goes worldwide,” he said.

He noted that to further give teeth to the programme, the Government will be looking to amend anti-littering legislation, looking particularly at increasing the existing fines.

The LoveClean KSA app was created in partnership with the London Borough of Lewisham and the Love Clean Streets network (London). It forms part of the broader Clean and Safe Cities project, which came out of a partnership between the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and the Association of Local Government Authorities (ALGA).

Persons interested in downloading the app may visit: www.lovecleanksa.org and click on the ‘Free Apps’ banner to access the programme.