In various sections of the city, garbage piles and their accompanying foul odour remain a significant concern.
Particularly affected areas include Charlestown and in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market block. During a check yesterday, it was observed by the Sunday Stabroek that the problem extends to the dock area where boats are loaded, as well as the adjacent bus parking area housing numerous food establishments, where garbage was found scattered about. Additionally, upon closer examination of the stelling, it was evident that the area opposite to where passengers embark was heavily contaminated with refuse. Along Broad Street in Charlestown, significant piles of garbage were observed accumulating, including within drainage systems. Similar scenes were noted on streets such as Saffon, Broad and Lombard.
Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, yesterday told the Sunday Stabroek that the council allocates $500 million annually for waste collection, encompassing both private and municipal waste management systems. Mentore highlighted that the Solid Waste Department, overseen by Walter Narine, is responsible for waste collection. He emphasised that garbage collection occurs in all areas, although he expressed uncertainty regarding the situation in the specific areas mentioned. Despite numerous attempts, the Sunday Stabroek was unable to reach Narine for comment.
The stench from rotting waste is not just unpleasant but can contain hazardous airborne chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which at high concentrations can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause more severe health issues, including neurological problems and decreased lung capacity.
Stabroek News spoke with four persons at the Stabroek Market area who shared their disdain for the rotting waste and pungent scent. One, Nickella Fanfair, shared “I have to pass this place every day I work in town. This is utter nonsense man, it smells very bad; some days you have to hold your nose and walk past.”
Juney (only name given) a vendor at the Stabroek Market block stated “I have been selling here for 15 years now and there’s no change, it is the same old thing, it very stink man and nobody is doing anything.”
Stacey Belgrave who was seen shopping for items in the market area shared, “Guyana has a garbage problem in an oil developing nation, this is what we are faced with but you can’t only blame those in power you have to look at the common man who are a part of the problem.” she added that for as long as she can remember Georgetown has always been “dirty.” “Something needs to change with management entirely or they [must] come up with more effective ways to handle it.”
Jay Morris, a boat loader at the Stabroek dock, said that he has been working in the area for more than three years. “For as long as I can remember, that area there has been stacked with garbage.” He added that buying food in the area is something he cannot find himself doing given the circumstances with the environment in which the food is being sold. “I might as well consider myself dead; this place stinks, I don’t take them risk that.”
