KSAMC on drive to cleanup downtown Kingston, improve security

City engineer at Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Xavier Chevannes, said the local authority is partnering with the police to remove tarpaulins in downtown Kingston that often obstruct the view of security cameras in the area. 

He said the tarpaulins make it difficult for police to carry out enforcement effectively. 

“We have gotten some complaints also from the police in regards to the tarpaulins, which at time would offer poor visibility to the cameras in the area, which would affect their enforcement activities so we are partnering with the police to ensure that the area remains sterile and the roadway is free for mobility and the vendors have their specific areas that they can ply their wares,” he said. 

Chevannes said the KSAMC will also be introducing measures to prevent vendors from returning to the streets after roadways have been cleared. 

Under its Cleaner Kingston initiative, the KSAMC continues its efforts to clear downtown streets of garbage and other impediments. 

So far, Beckford Street, Heywood Street, and New Chapel Lane have been washed and cleaned as part of the ongoing operation. 

The cleanup drive is expected to continue every weekend, with additional streets set to be addressed in the coming days. 

Chevannes said sanitisation exercises have been carried out in the coronation market, and vendors have been appreciative of the municipality's efforts. 

 “Once the place is clean and accessible, so the garbage can be collected on time and swiftly, the vendors are so far cooperating and they welcome the response,” he said. 

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