Communities in Antigua and Barbuda must take greater responsibility for their surroundings if national clean-up efforts are to succeed, according to the head of the National Solid Waste Authority.
Indira James-Henry said progress had been slow because many residents continued to rely on government intervention instead of maintaining areas outside their homes.
Speaking on state media, she said basic upkeep such as clearing gutters, cutting verges and properly disposing of bulky waste was often neglected, even after sanitation teams had completed work in an area.
Ms James-Henry warned that indiscriminate dumping on vacant land was undoing the impact of costly clean-up operations, which require significant manpower, equipment and public funding.
She said long-term improvements would only be possible if communities accepted ownership of cleanliness and supported the work already carried out.
The comments come as an island-wide clean-up programme continues, with derelict vehicles being removed from several communities.
Last week, the National Solid Waste Authority, supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and the Central Board of Health, completed work in Yorks and has since shifted operations to Villa and Point. A major clean-up of the city is also planned.
