The Environment Ministry?s beautification programme is being embraced by New Providence?s traditional communities.

Teams of trucks and bulldozers moved through Bain?s Town, Grant?s Town, and Farm Road this week demolishing abandoned buildings, cleaning overgrown lots and carting away derelict vehicles, household appliances, and other refuse.

Department of Environmental Health Services? Chief Works Controller Robin Wright is pleased with the results so far.

?It has gotten off to a very good start,? he said. ?The community response has been very good. We found that where there is a regular cleaning pattern, then people respond by keeping their surroundings better.

?There is some skepticism in that some people think this is just a temporary thing and that it will not last. But we will be consistent with it and the people will be happy with their surroundings.?

Raphael Dean of Dean?s Cleaning and Maintenance was contracted to assist in the programme.

?It is a breath of fresh air for these densely populated communities and the residents are very happy,? he said. ?One lady has threatened to call the police for anyone she sees dumping in the communities.?

A major challenge the Department of Environmental Health Services had concerned the availability of sufficient workers. To help persons impacted by the worldwide economic recession, it has hired additional staff.

?With the amount of people we now have involved in this programme there should not be a problem,? said Wright, ?especially with the planning that is being done from the Director?s office with regard to maintenance.?

He and Dean commended the attitude of the youngsters employed in the programme.

?They have not been allowed to get into a comfort zone where they are just putting in a day?s work for a day?s pay,? said Wright. ?They are actually really performing and they are going beyond the call of duty.?

Added Dean: ?The programme is doing something for the work ethics of these youngsters. These fellows are really working.?