NSWMA commits to clearing backlog of garbage

By Nakinskie Robinson  

 

The National Solid Waste Management Authority has committed to garbage free streets and homes after operations were temporarily paused for the Christmas holidays.

 

Executive Director Audley Gordon told Radio Jamaica News that the agency had encountered a series of setbacks amid persistent rainfall between August and late November, which also affected the dirt tracks at disposal sites.

 

This has resulted in a pile up of garbage in some areas.

 

But Mr. Gordon says the authority has been working overtime to ensure timely collection of garbage and bulky waste.

 

Mr. Gordon explained that measures have been implemented to stave off a garbage backlog crisis following Christmas and Boxing Day activities. 

 

"We've instituted a round-the-clock operation in the last two and a half, three weeks as we approach the Christmas season. We go deep into the nights, so I'm talking people on the road like 1 a.m. they are still out there collecting. We know that it's problematic for some people because the heavy trucks going through the community create noise nuisance," he admitted. 

 

"As it relates to where we are now in terms of garbage collection for the Christmas, we were able to keep the town centres and the main roads in a pretty decent shape, that we've gotten all the Christmas-Grand Market garbage out of the space. We are now back on track in terms of what our regular collections ought to be," said Mr. Gordon. 

 

He said normal garbage collection services will resume in by mid January. 

 

"While we are normal in terms of the Christmas garbage, we still have [backlog] from the three-four months of slowed operation. So we just ask for understanding, ask for you to properly containerise your garbage to make it easier for the crew when they come; [they] can just take up and move on and that gives a more efficient service. And we are just going to keep going on it until we get every nook and cranny back on the schedule," he vowed.