The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE government will launch a clean-up campaign this weekend in Over-the-Hill communities as part of its effort to rejuvenate those areas, officials announced at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.

The first phase of the project will impact the specified, proposed economic zone which is expected to benefit from various tax incentives in the next fiscal year. The area includes Nassau Street to Poinciana Drive, Wulff Road, "then upwards everything west of Collins Avenue," according to Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, head of the Economic Planning and Development Unit.

The rejuvenation work will involve "improving the physical surroundings, the important issue of solid waste management for the area with specific targeted investments," Dr Virgill-Rolle said.

The Economic Planning and Development Unit is expected to release a comprehensive white paper on the Over-the-Hill programme ahead of the next budget cycle.

Dr Virgill-Rolle said: "Between the 19th and 21st of January we will begin with phase one of this work which includes the areas in our target zone above Meadow Street, Ross and Gibbs Corners. Then the following weekend we have areas south of Meadow Street, Ross and Gibbs Corners."

Chief Health Inspector at the Department of Environmental Health Sallyann Chisholm said the clean-up effort will include "removal of appliances and bulk waste that you may have, but also include vector control aspects."

She said the department has already contracted 50 people, all from Over-the-Hill communities, to help with the initiative. Sean Adderley, director of the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority, said his organisation will engage about 100 people over the two weekends to assist in the effort. People involved will participate in workshops and undergo training, Dr Virgill-Rolle said. She previously revealed that at least $5m will be budgeted in the next fiscal year for the Over-the-Hill rejuvenation programme.