Minister Lake calls on Community to support waste haulage companies clean-up effort in preparation for hurricane season

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake, is calling on residents to support the clean-up efforts by waste haulage companies in preparation for the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season. 

Advertisements are appearing in the daily newspapers with respect to the clean-up in different neighborhoods and residents should scan the newspapers to see when their area is listed for the clean-up.

“We are in the hurricane season, and it’s an individual responsibility to keep premises around your homes and businesses clean.

“Besides, premises should be kept clean all the time.  Debris being a hurricane threat, also harbors mosquito’s which cause disease and vermin such as rats, mice and flies. 

“The clean-up by waste haulage companies serves in keeping the districts debris free and lessening the threat from any flying items due to the passing of a storm.  At the same time, potential public health issues are also eliminated because containers that can hold water can become a breeding ground for mosquitos.

“The removal of old car parts and wrecks also limits the harboring of vermin therefore once again eliminating any public health issues.  A clean environment, a clean neighborhood contributes to the improvement in the quality of life of the people living in that community,” Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

Ministry of VROMI is an integral part of the country’s disaster management system known as Emergency Support Function (ESF-3).