NSWMA Regional Manager Urges Proper Waste Disposal

Regional Operations Manager at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Eifert Daley, is appealing to citizens in western Jamaica to be more responsible in their waste disposal practices.

Mr. Daley said the NSWMA has been experiencing challenges in clearing solid waste because of the unregulated disposal practices of residents, especially in Montego Bay.

Addressing the final of the annual Clean School Competition at the Calvary Baptist Church Hall in St. James yesterday (June 4), Mr. Daley said the NSWMA’s resources to keep Montego Bay clean are being stretched.

“Montego Bay plays a significant role in the island’s tourism sector. The town is one of the most difficult places to keep clean. We have been forced to deploy up to 80 per cent of our resources to bring some semblance of cleanliness in Montego Bay,” Mr. Daley said.

He pointed out that the gully that runs through Catherine Hall carried over 18 truckloads of domestic garbage into the Montego Bay harbour during the recent heavy rains, which was due to the improper disposal of waste by householders who have access to the drain.

Mr. Daley noted that the Clean School Competition has given some hope that the future generation will be good stewards of the environment.

The NSWMA Regional Operations Manager congratulated the schools from Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny that participated in the competition.

“The energy and enthusiasm shown by the students from the 50 schools was amazing. That had given us hope that our efforts are not in vain and that proper garbage disposal and other environmental practices will be carried on by these students,” he said.