Public health intern impresses with sanitation project in Daniel Town
Published:Sunday | May 4, 2025 | 12:08 AMLeon Jackson - Sunday Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Daniel Town Primary School in Trelawny and its surrounding community are now benefiting from an impactful sanitation project led by Public Health Inspector Intern Lisa Harris.
Speaking at a handover ceremony where the school received a newly constructed garbage house, Harris explained that she saw the need and decided to undertake the project and is now quite pleased with the result.
“Four months ago, I was placed in the Daniel Town area to complete my training. As a part of my internship, I had to complete a project, which had health implications,” said Harris. “I chose this project based on my research, which was to focus on garbage in the area.”
Harris said the project got the blessing of her supervisor, Oshane Smith, so she was highly motivated.
“The decision was made to construct a garbage house on the school’s property, build toilet facility for an indigent man, and place drums in the area for garbage collection,” said Harris.
According to Harris, she decided to seek the assistance of the community to generate the funding, and thanks to their generosity, she was able to generate the $389,000.00 for the project.
“Help came from members of the community, sponsors and councillor for the Daniel Town Division, Roydel Hamilton,” said Harris.
Their combined efforts made the initiative a reality.
Smith praised Harris for her dedication and initiative.
“She showed determination, putting her all into the project. She was required to complete just one project, but she completed all three,” said Smith. “There have been others before her who just placed four drums and that was it. She went beyond what was required. She even got National Solid Waste Management Authority to come and collect garbage once per week.”
Principal Grace Clarke expressed her gratitude, noting that the garbage house addresses a long-standing issue at the school.
“The garbage house is most welcome. We have had pile up of garbage over an extended period, but with the garbage house, we can now properly store the garbage until it is collected. The school population is eternally grateful,” she said.
The residents of the community also heaped praise on Harris, saying her presence in their community has made a big different in the management and timely collection of garbage.
“I feel good about what she has done. We appreciate the work she has put in. The community is thankful,” said Charmaine Miller.