THE EDITOR, Madam:The deteriorating state of sanitation and the pervasive uncleanness of the streets of Kingston are matters of grave and urgent concern.Compounding the issue of uncollected or infrequently collected garbage are the numerous potholes and stagnant, dirty water – often suspected sewage – that settles particularly in the Parade area of downtown Kingston. Further, the unmistakable stench of human excrement in sections of downtown Kingston and parts of Cross Roads presents a clear and ongoing danger to public health.I recently walked on the sidewalk along the Hope Road side of Clock Tower Plaza, where the stench of human waste was similarly overpowering. Disturbingly, vendors are selling food items along this very stretch of road.Major thoroughfares, sidewalks, and streets such as these desperately need to be power-washed and sanitised on a regular, structured basis. One has to wonder: do the officials managing our city’s sanitation ever step out of their air-conditioned vehicles? Do they take a few minutes to walk through these busy commercial hubs to experience what ordinary pedestrians encounter on a daily basis?The KSAMC and central government should take action. We are a nation striving for growth, but our capital city must reflect that dignity. We can, and must, do better than what currently obtains.

LUDLOW HARRISKingston