Residents of Balawa in Lautoka took initiative yesterday by organizing a community clean-up exercise aimed at preventing the spread of dengue fever. The clean-up took place from 6 AM to 8 AM, where participants diligently cleaned streets and cleared drainage systems. Shalend Prem Singh, the head of services at the Lautoka City Council, reported that during this two-hour effort, they collected twenty garbage bags of refuse, which were disposed of at the Vunato landfill.
Following the clean-up, the council conducted mosquito spraying in the area to further combat the mosquito population, which poses a significant risk of transmitting dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that has already claimed two lives in Ba. Singh emphasized the importance of community efforts, urging residents to take the threat seriously.
He highlighted that simple actions can prevent dengue outbreaks, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and maintaining cleanliness in households and communities. This initiative reflects similar past efforts in Lautoka, where the council has actively engaged residents in clean-up drives and mosquito control measures. Previous statistics indicated an urgent need for action with over 757 confirmed dengue cases reported in the Western Division, underscoring the critical role that community involvement plays in disease prevention.
The consistent emphasis on cleaning and vector control in communities like Lautoka and Matuku showcases an uplifting story of collective action towards public health. It is a hopeful perspective that as residents unite in these endeavors, they can successfully combat health challenges like dengue fever, fostering a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
Leave a comment