YES meets Arubaine A Committee members

YES DAILY UPDATE

21.09.2011

Youth Environment Service secretariat

YES meets committee members in Arubaine A

The staff of YES held a meeting on 21.09.2011, with the village environment committee representatives, at the communal collection center which was headed by the project officer, Mr. Otim Simon.  It was presided over by Mr. Peter, (The Public Health Inspector) and the principal investigator, Mr. Jacob Lederer from Austria, who is also a researcher. The overall chair was Mr. Ongatai Amosiah, the Program coordinator YES. The committee contained over 8 members who all turned up. However, over 20 members attended the meeting. A review on the achievements as far as environment health is concerned was done, whereby through public sensitization at least 7 households so far have constructed  latrines , several have dug soak pits, the public has adopted the idea of collecting  household generated waste which they later take to the communal collection center, people no longer dump human waste anyhow instead they use the latrines, the hygiene of toilets has also greatly improved.   The greatest challenge experienced by the committee members is that the Municipal council has been reluctant to work with them regarding solid waste management as reported by the chairman of the committee. On that note however YES should put a coordinated effort to bring the Council on board which will enable the smooth running of the organizations activities, as addressed by Mr. Jacob. Nevertheless, the PHI in his speech assured the members that they are in a process of formulating bylaws that will empower the environment workers while providing their services. In his opening remarks however, the PHI thanked YES for its tireless contribution towards Environment Health and protection and urged them to continue with the good work they are rendering to the community.