The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand on Tuesday conducted a walkthrough of Yarrow Dam and Sideline Dam and heard about various problems in the area.
A release from the ministry said that the assessment allowed ministry personnel to engage directly with residents, evaluate pressing infrastructural concerns, and sensitize the neighbourhood ahead of ‘The Big Lift’ waste collection exercise scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, August 3.
During the walkthrough of Yarrow Dam and Sideline Dam, the release said that residents guided the Minister through the area and highlighted several critical issues impacting their daily lives. Key among these were severe drainage challenges worsened by heavy rainfall, defunct street lights and disruptions in regular garbage collection by the previous service provider. The disruptions resulted in improper disposal methods, which have further worsened drainage issues.
The release said that the Minister assured residents that interim measures, including the deployment of a canter, would be organized to resolve the immediate garbage backlog before the week was out. Listening to the frustrations of the community, she stated, “You will see changes… That’s changing before this week is out.”
To address the broader accumulation of bulky waste, which residents noted has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rodents, the Minister alerted the community of the Big Lift coming to their area Monday, August 3rd.
The release said that the Big Lift allows residents to dispose of bulky household waste, including old furniture, appliances, mattresses, tyres, and other oversized items, free of cost. By engaging local labourers and team leaders drawn directly from the surrounding areas, the exercise rapidly reduces illegal dumping, eliminates vector breeding grounds, and empowers residents to play a direct role in the physical transformation of their neighbourhood.
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