NSWMA Acquiring 50 Additional Trucks

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will get a boost in its fleet of trucks with the acquisition of 50 additional units.

These will bolster the agency’s operational capabilities, thereby resulting in improved garbage collection islandwide.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who made the disclosure, indicated that “10 of these trucks are already here and the remainder are on the way”.

“Their deployment across the [NSWMA] Regions will lift the standards of service to a new level. This will go beyond general improvements in public cleansing,” he said.

The Minister made the disclosure during his 2024/25 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 28).

Mr. McKenzie also advised that the national public cleansing efforts will be intensified this year, noting criticisms levelled against the NSWMA even as it works to clear backlogs and ensure consistency in collecting residential solid waste.

He told the House that the addition of 50 new compactors, previously received, to the NWMA’s fleet enabled the agency to collect more than 1.1 million tonnes of solid waste during fiscal year 2023/24.

Mr. McKenzie indicated that eight of these trucks are being exclusively used to address backlogs.

“I know the challenges that the leadership and staff are dealing with, and… they have my total confidence as they work hard to rectify the problems in the field. We are making a big difference in this respect, [and] I can assure this House and the country that the national public cleansing efforts will intensify this year,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie also informed that the NSWMA will be ramping up its ‘Drum A Di Gate Campaign’ as part of efforts to encourage proper disposal habits.

“The Agency is identifying residences across the country that have no garbage bins, and placing storage containers at the gates, free of cost. The initiative is in its early stages, and just under 1,500 bins have been placed, so far. This is important, not only for encouraging proper waste management at the household level, but also for enhancing a more orderly and physically pleasant community environment,” he pointed out.

The Minister further said the plastic separation and collection drive, being undertaken in 69 communities, will be expanded, while noting that the accumulation of these items remains a national challenge.

“Over half-a-million pounds of plastic have been collected, so far, and this critical initiative will be expanded this year. It will be supported by the dedicated assignment of 10 tipper units, which are already in the island.

“This is a vital complement to the work that is constantly being done to clear waste from gullies and drains, of which plastic is a huge component.

Preventing plastics from entering our waterways is of even greater importance as we enter the hurricane season,” Mr. McKenzie said.

Meanwhile, he advised that more than 3,000 permanent posts have been created at the NSWMA as part of the Government’s commitment to addressing the issue of contract employment at the entity.