Lack of funding hampers garbage collection

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), says a lack of funds and malfunctioning garbage trucks continue to hamper its efforts to clear the backlog of uncollected garbage.

The NSWMA said several trucks were hired to help to clear the huge backlog.

However, it says some have been failing and, with a low operational budget, the agency has not been able to hire more or repair its malfunctioning trucks and return the fleet to acceptable numbers.

Executive Director of the NSWMA, Jennifer Edwards, said garbage has remained uncollected for up to a week in some Corporate Area and St Catherine communities because of the setback.

However, Edwards is reassuring residents in those areas that the NSWMA will continue to intensify its garbage collection drive to clear backlog.

She said the agency has written to the local government minister Noel Arscott regarding funding for the agency and he has so far promised to discuss the matter with the finance minister.

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