Immediate Action to Tackle Mosquito Nuisance in Callaloo Mews

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has assured residents of Callaloo Mews, Spanish Town Road, that immediate vector control measures will be taken to tackle the mosquito nuisance affecting their community.

The residents had complained about the issue earlier in the week, and the Minister visited the area on Friday, April 4, to inform them about the action that will be taken to address their concerns.

Minister Ferguson told JIS News that after speaking to the residents and viewing the situation for himself, he has instructed that immediate steps be taken to bring about a solution as quickly as possible.

“As it relates to the mosquito issue, we can do some fogging once the weather permits. What is needed is for the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and my Ministry to create an emergency response; thereafter, the Government, through the National Water Commission (NWC), can move in with contractors to solve the source of the problem,” he added.

The Minister pointed out that regardless of the financial constraints, it would be a greater strain on the budget if there is no action to tackle the problem.

“If we have a breakout of Dengue Fever in the area as a result of inaction, or worse Malaria, that to the health sector would be disastrous. We have to respond, as that would be an even more significant cost to the country,” he said.

Communications Director for the NWC, Charles Buchanan, told JIS News that a sewage clearing exercise would begin immediately.

He urged residents to desist from disposing of solids in the sewer main through their toilets and other points of entry, as blockage is a major source of the problem.

In the meantime, residents welcomed the move by the Ministry and the NWC, and urged that regular monitoring is done, to ensure that the mosquito population is kept in check.