Many Entities Interested in Managing Riverton Landfill

At least 50 entities have indicated an interest in managing the operations of the Riverton City landfill in Kingston, under a privatisation arrangement proposed by the Government.

This was disclosed by Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who spoke with journalists following a tour of the disposal site on March 24.

The Minister informed that all proposals presented will be considered by the Cabinet, including the solid waste to energy initiative proposed by the Prime Minister, which is “still on the table.”

Mr. McKenzie said consideration is also being given to separating and disposing of the hundreds of old motor vehicle tyres that have accumulated at the landfill.

The Minister indicated that he has discussed the matter with the owner of a facility in St. Ann that manufactures by-products from old tyres.

“I am going to tour that facility to see what the possibilities are and  to explore some kind of  arrangement for that operator to take tyres, not just from Riverton, but from right across the island,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie said this initiative is to maximise on its potential to earn revenue, which is a part of the growth agenda of the Administration.

Meanwhile, the Minister lauded the administration and staff of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and its affiliates on the work done to improve the state of the Riverton landfill.

“Since the last time I was here, there has been significant improvement. The country can be assured that the landfill has the capacity to respond to any fire that may occur,” he noted.