Sanitation Crisis – By Jeressa Jeremy
Sanitation Crisis Prompts Temporary
Operations at the Government’s Printery have been suspended this week following the discovery of a severe pigeon infestation that has rendered the facility a health hazard.
The emergency closure was confirmed during the weekly Cabinet press briefing, with officials moving to address the biological risks posed to staff at the essential government office.
Director of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed that the infestation had reached a critical point, necessitating immediate intervention by the Ministry of Works.
The printery, which is responsible for the production of official government gazettes, parliamentary papers, and legal documents, will remain closed while specialized teams conduct a thorough cleaning and “eviction” of the birds.
“Among the major tasks being undertaken is the removal of a large number of pigeons which have made the government’s printery their home,” Merchant explained. “They are going to remove those pigeons, have them relocated and then continue repairs to ensure that the workers work in a safe environment.”
The decision to shutter the building temporarily comes amid broader concerns regarding the maintenance of aging government infrastructure.
Employees had reportedly raised alarms about the unsanitary conditions caused by the birds, citing the accumulation of waste and the potential for respiratory issues.
Merchant emphasized that the administration is focused on the long-term viability of the workplace. “The Ministry of Works is now engaged in a two-day exercise that will see the thorough cleaning of the government’s printery to ensure that it is safe for the employees who work there to return to work,” he stated.
In addition to removing the birds, the Ministry of Works is scheduled to conduct structural repairs to seal entry points and prevent a recurrence of the infestation.
“They are also carrying out some structural changes to the building that would prevent the pigeons from returning,” Merchant added.
While the closure is expected to cause a short-term delay in the distribution of official government publications, officials emphasized that worker safety remains the primary priority.
The Government Printery is expected to resume full operations early next week, provided the facility is certified as a safe and sanitized environment for all personnel.
