— St John’s Rural West Candidate Richard S. Lewis says illegal dumping remains a major concern in his constituency after leading a clean-up effort this week to remove bulk waste from several sites.

Lewis said the operation targeted illegal dumpsites in the community, where items including broken furniture, construction debris and old appliances had accumulated.

“The work continues in and out of season,” Lewis said, noting that community members assisted in clearing the areas.

Following the cleanup, “No Dumping” signs were erected at the affected locations in an effort to discourage further indiscriminate disposal.

Lewis also renewed his call for the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to implement scheduled bulk waste collection, arguing that a more structured approach is needed to reduce illegal dumping.

“We must admit that bulk waste disposal is a major issue in our community and real solutions are needed,” he said.

He warned that the addition of household garbage to these sites is worsening conditions, contributing to rat infestations and other public health concerns.

Lewis said continued efforts will be necessary to arrive at an effective and lasting solution to the bulk waste problem.