The CUTW 2006 weekend was a resounding success!! Starting off with an accrued amount of 150 tonnes by Govt and Master Services, the weekend saw a further 40 to 50 tonnes of rubbish lifted off the green areas and underwater by an energetic 350 volunteers.
Starting with a Green Parade supported by several schools and organisations as well as some CUTW teams, the colourful, almost carnival-like parade wound its way from Casemates, up Main Street terminating at the Piazza where displays, activities, and Green music entertained all for some time.
Meanwhile, some teams were already busy removing rubbish from the Upper Rock and some more central areas and this grew and intensified until about 5.00pm on Sunday afternoon. With divers and abseilers taking part a big difference was made to areas that normally are not cleaned due to lack of easy access.
Also on Sunday a team from Westside embarked on a study walk along Eastside of Gibraltar making observations of the negative and positive impacts humans are making on the environment. A full report will be made on this soon.
While recognising that Government is publicly acknowledging and addressing the need for change with regards to littering and dumping on the Rock, the ESG, supported by the many CUTW participants affirms that specific measures need to be applied in order for this to happen.
These are:
* Changing attitudes in the community through govt campaigns, posters, etc.
* Revising cleaning contracts to tackle infrequently cleaned areas which slowly become eyesores and hygiene issues
* Clarification of waste disposal to halt erroneous and illegal dumping
* Building Contractors to be legally responsible to move old infrastructure as part of refurbishment contracts
* Private lands to be fenced off to prevent illegal dumping
* Adequate provision of better designed bins in the many areas lacking such facilities encouraging dumping to continue – these to be supported by enforcement information
* Policing and enforcement of anti-littering legislation to deter such behaviour, as is done with driving, dog fouling etc.
* CCTV to be set up in hotspot areas
* Need for Recycling facilities to be set up without further delay
The ESG will organise for a report to be submitted to Govt and related agencies and services such as: Ministry for the Environment, Technical Services, Environment Agency, Master Services, Royal Gibraltar Police.
After this a call will be made to hold a meeting with all of the above and CUTW team representatives to see how together some long lasting positive changes can be achieved for the benefit of the community and the living environment.
Finally the ESG wishes to acknowledge and thank all those involved who should feel extremely proud of their achievements in helping to make Gibraltar a cleaner and healthier environment.
