Gov’t Equipping NSWMA for Timely Collection of Garbage

The Government is assuring the public that equipping the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) for the timely collection of garbage is a priority.

According to Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, there is an ongoing process of boosting the fleet of trucks for the agency, and there will be no “reneging” on the obligation to ensure that the NSWMA delivers quality service.

The Minister was speaking at the handover of three new trucks to the agency, at its Half-Way-Tree Road head office, in St. Andrew, yesterday (May 9).

“By the end of this month (May), an additional four trucks will be put into the system,” he said, adding that this will significantly increase the capacity of the organisation to collect and dispose of waste in a timely manner.

Mr. McKenzie informed that 30 trucks will be added to the agency’s fleet by the end of September and that plans are in progress to procure 15 more trucks during the next financial year.

“We have an obligation for a cleaner Jamaica. We will make no excuse for doing what is necessary to improve the quality of service offered, by the NSWMA,” the Minister said.

One of the three units will be assigned to SPM Waste Management Limited, one to NEPM Waste Management Limited, and the other to MPM Waste Management Limited.

Since the start of the year, the NSWMA has received nine trucks from the Government.