Ejluv
04-19-04, - 09:10 PM
Taken from the Environmental and Social Impact Report's Solid Waste Management Program.
2.8 Environmental education and public awareness campaigns for solid waste management have begun by environmental NGOs such as the Bahamas National Trust, and by the Bahamas National Pride Association on the major islands, but for the most part there is little awareness, understanding or interest in the total waste management problems of the country. Littering and illegal dumping is common, household composting at a low level and potential use of discarded material not appreciated.
2.9 Because of the long distances between settlements in the Family Islands most settlements have their own dump formal sites, but there is a proliferation of informal dump sites and poor disposal practices and littering. The usual method of disposal is to dump, burn and then push the burned material aside to make space for more waste. Many sites are poorly located, e.g. in wetlands, near airports, or close to the groundwater table and in water-well supply fields. Aesthetic, health and environmental contamination are usual problems at these sites. There are no, or inadequate, operating guidelines or operational plans to assist Local Boards of Works in implementing appropriate solid waste disposal. Collection and disposal facilities are contracted to private firms by the local authorities. Environmental education and awareness programmes focussed on solid waste issues are badly needed, as is enforcement of litter regulations.
And this last one needs to be taken very seriously as to what is taken or dumped there since Andros is the island that supplies the majority of the water supply to the other islands and is also the largest island and least inhabited and could be used abundantly for agricultural purposes.
Another 'Bottom Line', awareness of not only the smell of the dump but what the island people can do to deter waste should be looked at. Again, someone has to take charge and inform all of the consequences. In the report it says that the information is of little awareness, understanding, or with concern. So, take on the challenge and do something about it. Don't leave it up to just the government or those that you support. You, the people are part of the government and you are the ones that will have to light the fires and carry the torches. Go for it, after all, it is your future!
2.8 Environmental education and public awareness campaigns for solid waste management have begun by environmental NGOs such as the Bahamas National Trust, and by the Bahamas National Pride Association on the major islands, but for the most part there is little awareness, understanding or interest in the total waste management problems of the country. Littering and illegal dumping is common, household composting at a low level and potential use of discarded material not appreciated.
2.9 Because of the long distances between settlements in the Family Islands most settlements have their own dump formal sites, but there is a proliferation of informal dump sites and poor disposal practices and littering. The usual method of disposal is to dump, burn and then push the burned material aside to make space for more waste. Many sites are poorly located, e.g. in wetlands, near airports, or close to the groundwater table and in water-well supply fields. Aesthetic, health and environmental contamination are usual problems at these sites. There are no, or inadequate, operating guidelines or operational plans to assist Local Boards of Works in implementing appropriate solid waste disposal. Collection and disposal facilities are contracted to private firms by the local authorities. Environmental education and awareness programmes focussed on solid waste issues are badly needed, as is enforcement of litter regulations.
And this last one needs to be taken very seriously as to what is taken or dumped there since Andros is the island that supplies the majority of the water supply to the other islands and is also the largest island and least inhabited and could be used abundantly for agricultural purposes.
Another 'Bottom Line', awareness of not only the smell of the dump but what the island people can do to deter waste should be looked at. Again, someone has to take charge and inform all of the consequences. In the report it says that the information is of little awareness, understanding, or with concern. So, take on the challenge and do something about it. Don't leave it up to just the government or those that you support. You, the people are part of the government and you are the ones that will have to light the fires and carry the torches. Go for it, after all, it is your future!