For a dengue-free environment:

Plea for Public Nuisance Ordinance

by Nilma DOLE

Implementing the Public Nuisance Ordinance is the only way to prevent people from dumping garbage which leads to the breeding of mosquitoes, said Provincial Director of Health Services, Western Province and founder Secretary of the Private Health Services Regulatory Council, Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva.

He said that there are several provincial ministers who need to take heed of the mosquito problem to prevent the rapid spread of the dengue epidemic by implementing islandwide programs. "In general, we have seen a decrease in mosquito density with the islandwide dengue programs, but there are still several municipal councils who have to take measures to serve the public," said Dr.De Silva.

He said, "While we have authorities doing their best to curb the mosquito problem, the public also have to adhere to the regulations. If they don't, strict disciplinary measures like a fine should be imposed." Dr. De Silva was confident that if the Public Nuisance Ordinance is enforced, Sri Lanka will be even better than Singapore in terms of a clean and green environment.

Principal Public Health Inspector (PHI) P.A. Piyaratna Pananwala said, "Through these measures, competent authorities like the local PHIs and local government officials can bring wrongdoers to justice with prior notice of two weeks. If anyone fails to adhere to the Mosquito Breeding Prevention Act, a fine of Rs. 15,000 will be imposed." Depending on the offence, a fine between Rs.1,000 and Rs. 20,000 can be imposed on the guilty party in an effort to ensure that they adhere to the Act. Through this Act, several cases have been filed by PHIs and local government agents notifying wrongdoers on how they can eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The Principal PHI said, "Even with all the media attention, education and awareness programs pertaining to dengue prevention, there are still members of the public who are negligent and do not change their attitudes when it comes to eliminating mosquito breeding sites."

He said, "We are keen on implementing these rules and regulations because we should enlighten the public that cleaning the city by eradicating mosquito breeding areas is better than short-term mosquito prevention measures like incorporating the BTI bacteria or mosquito fogging."

Piyaratna said that in helping the public to clear garbage and eradicate dengue, the authorities will continue to introduce recycling techniques to encourage the public to separate their garbage and dispose it in an environmentally-friendly manner.