a serious threat to the public health as well as the environment. Reports indicate that an important well of the Suriname Water Company (SWM) is located close to the illegal garbage dump. Experts warn that the illegal garbage dump could contaminate the ground water. Once the ground water is contaminated bacteria, diseases, diarrhea, skin infections and damage to people, animals and the environment could spread. Local residents are being urged to stop dumping their garbage along the road and to opt for the official garbage disposal firms and garbage dumps that are available in the Nickerie District. Dumping garbage illegally is against the law. District Commissioner Niesha Kurban disapproved of the fact that citizens are polluting the environment and that their actions poses a threat to the public health. She pointed out that the illegal dump would be cleared.