The Cabinet has announced a national clean-up campaign to be carried out across the country within the next two weeks, as the government moves to address longstanding environmental concerns while preparing the island for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the coordinated, multi-agency effort would include the removal of litter and derelict items, clearing of bushes and overgrown vegetation, cleaning of drains and waterways, and enhancement of public spaces and road verges.
Cabinet emphasised that the initiative goes beyond beautification. “Unclean surroundings can contribute to flooding, infestations, and other health hazards,” Merchant said, describing the campaign as addressing public health, environmental protection, tourism preservation, and community safety simultaneously.
The announcement follows a February environmental incident near the Cooks Landfill, where a combination of heavy rainfall, full-capacity sewage ponds, and a king tide event caused landfill leachate to overflow into the nearby mangrove and into Five Islands Harbour.
The National Solid Waste Management Authority, the National Office of Disaster Services, and the Central Board of Health conducted surveillance of the area following the incident.
A ban on fishing and use of food products from the affected area remains in place, and Merchant indicated that results from environmental testing would be released by the Ministry.
