Robert Bryan, chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the recently staged Cricket World Cup. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

When he relinquishes his post as head of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the recently concluded ICC-Cricket World Cup competition on June 30, Robert Bryan will return as head of the Social Development Commission (SDC). But, he will also take up a new and equally challenging assignment - non-executive chairman of the controversial National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

He's no stranger to the problem-plagued organisation - could the third time be the charm? The Gleaner spoke with Bryan about his plans for the NSWMA.

He said the NSWMA needs to cease operations and become a regulatory body which sets standards. It must facilitate the proper employment of externally commercial entities to deliver the service. More monitoring and integration with local government authority must be done to ensure value for money.

Mired in controversy

That is at the root of the current problem and all the inefficiencies hence, its perception of being mired in controversy.

"First, operations must be separated from regulations and we must move conscientiously to establish a proper system of awarding contracts, he said." The Gleaner sought Bryan's assurance that he will correct these problems. He added: "I reflected long and hard about taking this position and I did it because in my discussions with the policymakers, I accept that they want to change things. I will give it my best shot; getting a proper management system and operating culture that makes sure we lift the image of the place."

He could not comment on whether there would be ashedding of 'dead weight', but admitted that the urgent issue was the procurement procedures and already they have withdrawn a tender to analyse it and ensure transparency in the process. They are also looking to tender out all landfill operations with the objective to totally remove or significantly reduce government operated processes there. That will lead to a more transparent system of awarding contracts.

Necessary changes

In his view, the necessary changes are possible because having been on the NSWMA board twice before, he knows the lay of the land. But he resigned after two weeks on the last occasion because of difficulties with the law that governs it. "I think most of the problems in solid waste are because it is not just a regulatory agency. It combines operations and that's a recipe for disaster because it's policing itself."

But the objectionable law remains, so why go back now? He is now convinced the policymakers realise there is a problem and are ready to restructure it since an agreement has recently been signed by Cabinet to do a full review of the operations. He will open up the operations of solid waste so the country can understand it and have a better feel for what happens.