NSWMA to Remove Derelict Vehicles in Norwood, St. James

Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, says the agency is to undertake a derelict vehicle removal exercise in Norwood, St. James, to improve the environment.

He outlined that directives have already been given for a comprehensive mapping exercise to find derelict vehicles throughout the community.

Mr. Gordon made the disclosure during a recent clean-up activity in Norwood, which formed part of a wider assessment of solid waste management challenges in Western Jamaica.

“We noticed the amount of derelict vehicles that are in this space and I’ve already given the directive for a mapping to be done, a proper mapping of the area to identify all the derelict vehicles,” he said.

He outlined that the agency will coordinate a major removal exercise this month.

Mr. Gordon further underscored that certain procedures must be observed before vehicles can be removed, including the issuing of notices and the expiration of the stipulated notice period.

He, however, outlined that some abandoned and severely damaged vehicles identified during the assessment could be removed immediately.

“We have noticed that some can be removed immediately and as we speak, we are removing some that we identified that you could move because they are derelict. They’re not classified as motor vehicles anymore. They are just straight derelict, burnt out vehicles,” he noted.

Mr. Gordon further stated that the assessment of Norwood is part of a broader initiative being undertaken by the agency to identify solid waste management hotspots and determine appropriate interventions.

He outlined that the activity includes visiting communities, looking at the contributing factors causing the build-up of waste and identifying practical measures to improve their surroundings.

“So, in the middle of the little mini tour that I am doing, I am doing it right across Jamaica where I look at hotspots, look at what possible interventions you can deploy in these hotspots to make them a little bit more livable, a little more pleasing aesthetically,” Mr. Gordon said.

The Executive Director also assured that the NSWMA remains committed to addressing the challenges identified and improving the cleanliness and appearance of communities.