Thompson Town clean-up a win for public health, waste management

What began as a small idea born from a public health inspection quickly became a life-changing initiative for the residents of Thompson Town in Clarendon.

The large-scale community clean-up project, which took place last week, was not only the first of its kind in the area, but a turning point in how the community tackles public health and waste management.

From the early hours of the day, residents gathered with cutlasses, garbage bags, and brought out piles of old appliances, eager to be part of a movement they had long hoped for.

“I feel so good, and I appreciate it,” said Patricia Fraser-Cove, a Thompson Town resident and the health committee treasurer. “And I would like more of that to happen, especially with the truck that came and picked up the old fridge and the old buckets, and so.”

The clean-up was led by Ajani Gopaulsingh, better known in the community as ‘Inspector Singh’, a public health intern who took on the challenge after identifying widespread mosquito infestation during routine inspections.

“After conducting inspections, the issue of mosquito infestation was observed, especially in open containers such as drums, buckets and bulky waste like old fridges, tires, stoves and other old appliances that can accumulate water,” Gopaulsingh explained.

With the World Health Organization setting a benchmark of five per cent for tolerable household mosquito infestation level, Gopaulsingh discovered that Thompson Town was well above that mark.

“The house index was above five per cent, which ... indicates a higher risk of dengue transmission, and we know dengue is endemic to our country, so a targeted intervention was of great priority,” he added.

The vector control team, through the Clarendon Health Department, helped with the reduction of mosquito levels by doing larvicidal treatments throughout the community.

However, the project wasn’t without its challenges. With limited time and resources, Gopaulsingh had to rely on grassroots mobilisation.

“I had to walk to every household within the community to ensure that the word was spread... . Thompson Town has a hilly terrain, so it was indeed a journey. Having to walk miles wasn’t an easy task but, no worries, it made me fit, and the work must be done,” he said.

Despite these obstacles, the community responded with enthusiasm, supporting Gopaulsingh’s fundraising initiatives, such as his fish fry, which Fraser-Cove herself was very appreciative of, and a virtual tag drive.

“The people there supported it. It was nice,” she said.

MONETARY DONATION

Despite these efforts, the budget still needed an extra push. With the help of several stakeholders in Clarendon, such as National Wholesale, Shoppers’ Fair, Nation Choice, and Grace Distributors, Gopaulsingh was provided with several waste receptacles and funds to purchase 200 meshed drum covers which were distributed in the community.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), through its regional body, SPM Waste Management Limited, played a key role in executing the clean-up.

According to Whitney Smith-Currie, communications officer at the NSWMA, their support included the “provision of garbage bags and drums, deployment of sanitation workers, and the use of our trucks to collect and transport the waste”.

Smith-Currie emphasised the importance of community engagement.

“Community collaboration is absolutely essential to the success and sustainability of waste management efforts,” she said. “When communities actively engage in clean-up efforts, the results are not only more impactful, but also longer-lasting.”

The feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive. For many, it was their first time seeing a garbage truck arrive specifically to remove bulky waste.

“Yes, ma’am,” a resident said with a laugh when asked if they were shocked to see the garbage truck.

“The garbage truck, especially the one that came for the fridge and so on, we need the garbage truck to come in our community more often.”

Currently, the residents say that waste collection in Thompson Town is irregular at best.

“Sometimes it takes like a month or every three weeks, and sometimes it doesn’t go where it’s supposed to go,” Fraser-Cove said, noting the community’s large coverage area that includes New Road, Wakefield, Victoria Road, and more.

The NSWMA said this is the kind of feedback that motivates its team members to expand their efforts.

“It is heartening to know that this was the first time many of them experienced a clean-up effort of this scale ... and even more so to see their active involvement,” said Smith-Currie. “We are committed to ensuring more frequent garbage collections and sustained public education campaigns.”

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Gopaulsingh, whose internship will last just a few months, wanted to ensure the efforts wouldn’t end when he left. He formed a health committee from among the local residents, including the community’s treasurer, to carry the initiative forward.

“I hope to significantly reduce mosquito population within the community and reduce the number of potential breeding sites,” he said. “Mosquito control is never a quick fix ... hence the reason I formed a health committee with members from the community, so [that] they can continue the work.”

The resident treasurer confirmed that community members are ready to keep going. “We have to come together, plan like every community,” she said. “We have to plan to go out, clean up the area, and, you know, etc.”

Looking ahead, Gopaulsingh hopes the long-term impact is not just environmental, but educational.

“To empower residents through health education with knowledge and understanding of how to prevent mosquito breeding within their homes and community, that’s key,” he stated.

The NSWMA echoes that sentiment with its ‘Pass the Broom’ campaign, encouraging civic pride and unity.

“Together we can achieve the goal of a cleaner, healthier Jamaica,” said Smith-Currie. “We continue to encourage citizens to bag it, bin it, and we will collect it!”

Thompson Town now stands as a shining example of what can happen when health officials, government agencies, and residents come together for a common cause.

As Fraser-Cove put it, “We have to work and keep on working, and don’t make it fall. Make it rise.”

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com