The Siparia Regional Corporation (SRC) yesterday embarked on an emergency response plan to combat the spread of dengue fever in the five Administrative Districts under its jurisdiction, namely Erin, Cedros, La Brea, Siparia, and Oropouche/ Fyzabad. Chairman of the SRC Leo Doodnath said the plan will cost approximately $500,000 and will involve the cleaning of drains and waterways, cutting and removal of overgrown bushes and the spraying of insecticide to stem and retard the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which spreads dengue fever. Doodnath, a prominent businessman, said the SRC views with concern the outbreak of the fatal viral disease and will be moving aggressively to prevent loss of life in the 510-square kilometres area which falls under the corporation.
He said initially the mosquito eradication programme will run for 15 days with small contractors employing at least 80 workers who, armed with barrows, shovels, hayforks, fan rakes and garbage bags, will comb the respective districts in a massive clean-up effort. Doodnath revealed that the SRC dengue eradication effort had also been boosted by the purchase of four thermal foggers costing approximately $14,000 each along with insecticides priced at $60,000. He stressed that all the resources of the SRC were being used to ensure the success of the plan. "We cannot over-emphasise the importance of protecting our burgesses from this deadly disease. We think that it is absolutely essential that the communities in the Siparia Regional Corporation also display some civic responsibility by co-operating with the workers in the dengue eradication programme," he said.
Chairman Doodnath said there was much that ordinary citizens could do the put a dent in the dengue problem by keeping their surroundings clean and making sure that their storage supplies of potable water were not a breeding ground for mosquitoes. "The Dengue Eradication Programme is the first step in a detailed and comprehensive plan the SRC has come up with through the assistance of our Chief Medical Officer Dr Balkaran Shivnauth and our Public Health Officers, and with valuable input from our Council members," Doodnath said. He said high on the list of priorities was a reduction of the AEDES Index to under five in high index areas which would involve intensifying spraying activities; placing of granules abate in all drinking water-holding receptacles that are uncovered; and dyna-fogging.
"Our aim is also to improve the communication between the key players involved in the disruption of the mosquito cycle and breeding grounds. We wish to also sensitise the affected population in Siparia on the need to keep a clean environment," Doodnath said. The SRC chairman said that the education drive will envisage holding community meetings and seminars to properly inform the public. Doodnath was quick to point out though that were it not for the intervention of Minister of Local Government Chandresh Sharma the project would not have come on stream. The SRC will also establish an inter-sectoral agency within the County of St Patrick to oversee the activities of the Dengue Action team and will include the Chief Medical Officer and Insect Vector Control Department.