NSWMA board chairs steps down after Arscott's expressed disappointment

Steve Ashley, chairman of the board of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), resigned yesterday in reaction to Local Government Minister Noel Arscott's criticism of his handling of the removal of Executive Director Jennifer Edwards.

Arscott had said on Wednesday that some board members expressed "unease" about the manner in which the non-renewal of the executive director's contract was managed in the midst of a major fire at the Riverton City dump.

Below see Ashley's resignation letter: 

Minister Arscott,

It was with a tinge of disappointment that I learnt, through media reports, that your confidence in me, as chairman of the NSMWA, was shaken, by the manner in which I handled the termination of the executive director, Ms Jennifer Edwards.

Please be advised that this was done, without malice and or prejudice, but with the best interest of the organisation, and the nation at large, not specifically to the raging fire at the landfill, but also taking into consideration the history of the management of the landfill.

Let me use this opportunity to thank you, wholeheartedly, for the opportunity afforded me to serve my country in the capacity you afforded me.

In light of your reported "shaken confidence" however and your request please accept my resignation, effective immediately, as chairman of the board. I do so, in the hope that a newly constituted board will take the NSWMA and its portfolio responsibilities to the level of efficiency, of which you and the nation, will be justifiably proud.

With best regards,

K. Steve Ashley JP