NSWMA Unveils 11 New Vehicles to Elevate St. James Waste Management

Montego Bay, St James: In a significant boost to waste management capabilities, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has commissioned 11 new units in St. James. The new fleet was unveiled on June 27 at a ceremony held at the WPM Waste Management Limited’s office in Freeport, Montego Bay, coinciding with the relaunch of the 24-hour ‘Operation SWEEP’ initiative.

The newly added units include six compactors, two mini compactors, one crane, and two tipper trucks, increasing WPM’s operational fleet to 32 vehicles. Additionally, 13 units have been temporarily reassigned from Kingston to support the enhanced waste management operations in Montego Bay and the broader St. James area.

NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon highlighted the critical role of the crane in addressing the issue of abandoned vehicles, which obstruct emergency services and waste collection. “Abandoned vehicles are blocking crucial access routes, making it difficult for garbage trucks, police, ambulances, and fire trucks to pass. We’ve started issuing tickets to owners, and with the new crane, we’ll be removing these obstructions,” Gordon stated.

Gordon emphasized the Government’s dedication to improving waste management services, asserting that with the new trucks, there are no longer excuses for poor performance. He pledged that the NSWMA would ensure that residents benefit from these improvements, resulting in cleaner streets and communities.

Gordon urged residents to adopt responsible waste management practices, calling for increased civic pride and personal responsibility. “Careless littering is unacceptable. Proper disposal of solid waste is crucial to maintaining a clean environment,” he remarked.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (West), Hon. Homer Davis, praised the Government’s significant investment in waste management infrastructure, noting that over 100 new garbage trucks have been acquired in the past two years, thanks to “prudent fiscal management” under the Andrew Holness-led Administration.

“Prosperity isn’t just financial—it’s about having a clean environment. Our investment ensures that waste is collected efficiently, creating cleaner communities and townships,” Davis commented.

Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Dwight Crawford, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the Government’s responsiveness to residents’ needs through substantial investments in waste management infrastructure. He extended gratitude on behalf of the St. James community for the newly acquired units, recognizing their importance in enhancing local waste management efforts.