GREAT BAY:--- A team from the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) spent the weekend clearing and removing debris from the neighborhoods in which their rental units are located. This cleanup campaign forms part of their planned 'Clean up Awareness Campaign', which according to the foundation, will take place twice per year.
From as early as 6:30 am on Saturday morning, the staff of SMHDF along with members of other organizations could be seen removing debris from in and around the homes in South Reward, Cole Bay, Pendant Cactus, Foga Estate and The Keys in Sucker Garden. While on Sunday the focus was in Belvedere and Union Farm.
"Over time, some people have become lax with cleaning up their homes and the areas around it and that has led to pile up of unwanted household items, both big and small, which in turn has become a breeding ground for insects and termites," a press release from the Foundation said. "This behavior leads to an unhygienic atmosphere which puts both the tenants and their neighbors at risk. Therefore the SMHDF has taken a 'hands on' approach to clean up these areas and we hope that by doing this it will create a behavioral change in the community.
Throughout the two-days of clean up, unwanted items such as fridge, stoves and even cars were removed from homes; overgrown trees which created a hazard were also cut down and removed.
"We are in what is termed as an active hurricane season and we want to ensure that we are ready and prepared in the event of a disaster, therefore we are advising everyone to do their part and take the necessary precaution," the Foundation said.
The Clean-up drive was dubbed a success as all target areas were tackled with the support of organizations like: I-Dad Foundation, N-Sync Youths, The Gifted Foundation, Red Cross, All waste in Place, Meadowlands, Leonard Enterprises and the Nature Foundation. The SMHDF also lauded the residents that joined in to assist. The next clean-up campaign is expected to be held in November, but will be announced at a later date.
