NSWMA concerned about garbage truck drivers getting traffic tickets

By Kimone Witter  

 

 

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is raising concern about garbage truck drivers being ticketed while carrying out their duties. 

 

The issue was raised at a town hall meeting Longville, Clarendon recently. 

 

According to Sheldon Smith, Regional Operations Manager SPM Waste Management, the nature of garbage collection requires trucks to make frequent stops, often along narrow roadways. 

 

Mr. Smith said these operational demands can make it difficult to find designated parking while actively picking up garbage.

 

He complained that in some sections of Jamaica, there is no alternative parking available.

 

To date, two drivers have been ticketed. 

 

Mr. Smith said such actions could disrupt collection schedules and impact service delivery.

 

Additionally, residents of Longville have complained about the movement of bulky waste from the community.

 

In his response, Mr. Smith provided an update on the increasing volume of bulky waste in St. Elizabeth, noting that the disposal of large items continues to strain resources and requires coordinated community support. 

 

"We have a lot of debris moving in St. Elizabeth, still moving; persons [are] still without light, still under a lot of pressure. So as soon as that, and I know you'll understand, you can appreciate that although you have your bulky waste, persons are still inundated in areas, we have to be moving poles out of the way and that sort of thing, and a lot of debris we're moving in the St. Elizabeth area, trying to bring some level of normalcy to them. So as soon as that is over, I promise you that I'm going to be sending the tippers in on a Sunday," he declared.