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The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has received 10 new tipper trucks, valued at approximately $200 million, that the government says will strengthen the National Clean-up Programme in parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
The units were handed over to the agency by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness during a ceremony at the NSWMA's headquarters on Half Way Tree Road on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister indicated that the vehicles will be deployed to the western end of the island, particularly to Black River in St. Elizabeth, which was heavily impacted by the hurricane.
He emphasised that the St. Elizabeth capital will require resources beyond those available to the NSWMA or local government, and as such, the Urban Development Corporation will partner with the agency to carry out the extensive clean-up operation required.
Dr. Holness said the addition of the 10 new trucks will allow the NSWMA to redeploy vehicles that had been diverted from their core function of collecting municipal waste, enabling them to resume that service.
The new trucks will be dedicated to collecting inorganic debris, including zinc, construction materials, wires and fallen light poles.
In the meantime, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, said steady progress is being made in clearing the debris left behind by the hurricane.
Minister McKenzie shared that in next year's Budget, the government will allocate funds for additional compactor trucks, as well as smaller units designed to serve hard?to?reach communities and rural areas.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, noted that since the National Clean-up Programme began, the agency has removed approximately 15,000 truckloads of debris.
He emphasised that the 10 new trucks are a timely addition, given the increased demand for capacity during the Christmas season.
Mr. Gordon added that the agency is currently sourcing wood chippers to support the debris management programme.
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