Uniforms for NSWMA Workers

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is outfitting its sanitation workers with new, professional uniforms through a $20 million allocation from the Government.

The smart navy overalls come with neon-green vests, which reflect light, making the workers more visible to motorists when they work at night.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the uniforms will ensure that when the workers visit the homes of residents “they look like a professional workforce providing service to the taxpaying public.”

“The agency is ensuring that (everyone) whose responsibility it is to go out there and collect the garbage, that they are properly attired, and reflect the new vision and direction of the NSWMA,” he noted.

Minister McKenzie was addressing a ceremony to hand over four compact trucks to the NSWMA at the entity’s headquarters on Half-Way Tree Road, St. Andrew, on Tuesday (July 18).

He noted that the role of sanitation workers should not be seen as “just collecting the garbage”, noting that they play an important role in ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

He said that in addition to the uniforms “we are also (looking to) see how best we can improve the pay that you are getting.”

The new compact trucks will be assigned to each of the four regions of the NSWMA.

Mr. McKenzie said more units will be arriving on the island in September as part of efforts to improve the services provided by the agency.

Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, said the entity is on a drive to improve efficiency in the collection of garbage, and is urging householders to assist the process by containerising their waste.

He noted that community garbage collection is conducted on a scheduled basis, which will be published in order to ensure transparency and keep residents informed.