Breaches have Forced NSWMA to Change Security Firm – Arscott

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, says the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) was forced to seek a change in its existing security provider, due to the frequency of breaches at its facilities.

He was responding to questions posed by Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, during Tuesday’s (April 17) sitting of the House of Representatives, regarding the move to replace the existing security company.

In February, Contractor General, Greg Christie, also raised concern about the proposed change.

Mr. Arscott explained that the agency took the decision to seek approval from the National Contracts Commission to utilise the direct contract procurement methodology to engage EAP Security Services, due to the “frequency and extent of security breaches that occurred on the premises of the NSWMA, whilst these premises were under the control of the current security service provider.”

The Local Government Minister informed that the approval of the NSWMA Board is not required, once the direct contract procurement methodology is employed.

He told the House that the services of the existing firm have not been terminated. “No one …took the decision to terminate the services of the current security providers, as the current provider is still in place,” Mr. Arscott said.

Knightsman Security Services is the current security provider for the NSWMA.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter