ST GEORGE'S, GRENADA, FEBRUARY, 28 2016, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (GIS): - The Ministry of Health Drum Covering Project has gotten off the ground smoothly in Gouyave Estate, St. John. 

The project, designed to control and prevent Mosquito breeding by ensuring that essential water holding containers are properly covered , was officially launched on Sunday, 26 February at the Florida Government School with villagers of Loretto.

Loretto is a small village in Gouyave Estate St. John, and villagers often harvest rainwater for regular household and agricultural purposes. However although the rainwater is put to good use, it was the perfect condition for mosquito breeding, one health official explained.

The project which is intended to address the mosquito problem seeks to empower homeowners to play their part in reducing the mosquito population/index. During Sunday’s activity several homeowners took advantage of the opportunity to have their water-drums modified, with a wire mesh covering, an over-flow pipe and a regular water-tap (pipe-head) that will allow for an easy flow of water.

With all the fittings attached it means individuals will no longer be required to uncover their drums to get water, but simply turn the fitted-tap on and off as needed – and as such keeping the mosquitoes out.

The project, the first of its kind in the village, was well received.

A total of seven water drums were retrofitted and given to homeowners. As word of the exercise spread throughout the village, residents gathered to participate in the exercise. 

The project is sponsored by the Pan American Health Organization with funding from Department for International Development (DFID).