Erratic garbage collection raising a stink
Published:Thursday | September 2, 2021 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The mismanagement of solid waste, in particular, garbage collection, is a problem that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and our citizens can’t seem to correct. The mismanagement by both parties is something that is a cause for concern.
Whether it is the inconsistent and unreliable days and time periods to collect garbage or the increased numbers of illegal dumping sites, it is a matter that needs serious attention, especially in rural areas. Garbage is supposed to be collected at least once a week throughout most areas across the island, with the NSWMA/SPM Waste Management Limited creating a schedule for zones and communities.
I personally was not aware that there was a NSWMA app for the reporting of illegal dumps, the collection backlog or scheduling for my community. Because of infrequent garbage collection, residents had to find alternatives or face an overrun of rats, pigs or dogs having their way with garbage when it’s put out awaiting the arrival of the truck.
One such community affected by illegal dumping is the village of Newport in Manchester. This site is across the road from a Heart/ NSTA Trust Training Institute, where, like an act of defiance and protest against poor collection, the illegal dumping occurs in front of a ‘No Dumping’ sign.
With the current spike of the coronavirus and the implementation of lockdowns, there is an increase in the amount of garbage. The accumulation leads to further illegal dumping. It is time for us to prioritise the collection of garbage and require greater accountability of taxpayers’ money from SPM Waste Management Limited with diligent oversight by the Manchester Municipal Corporation.
LAVOI GRIFFITHS
Hartham District
Manchester