Haughton Calls for Urgent Investigation into Incompetence at National Solid Waste Management Authority in St. James
St. James, Jamaica. June 11, 2024: Amid a mounting crisis of waste mismanagement in the parish of St. James, Dr. Andre Haughton, the Caretaker for St. James West Central, is raising serious concerns regarding the operations of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). Dr. Haughton is calling upon the Minister of Local Government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the inefficiencies that are plaguing the NSWMA’s activities, leading to a hazardous accumulation of garbage in the parish.
The NSWMA, originally established to safeguard public health and the environment, is facing significant challenges in managing waste effectively. Dr. Haughton is highlighting a trend where the authority’s operations are not meeting the necessary standards for effective waste management.
Of particular concern to Dr. Haughton is the appointment of individuals to key positions within the NSWMA, resulting in a lack of expertise in handling the critical task of waste disposal. Despite the presence of nine operational trucks in the parish, the mismanagement of the fleet is rendering them ineffective in addressing the escalating garbage crisis.
In the absence of a functional waste management system, local initiatives like the SWEEP program from the Office of the Executive Director in Kingston are intervening sporadically to alleviate the garbage buildup. However, Dr. Haughton is noting that these efforts are disproportionately focused on the Northwest St. James Constituency, leaving other areas neglected and vulnerable to health hazards.
The current state of affairs in St. James is dire and unsustainable, with the unchecked accumulation of garbage posing a grave threat to the well-being of the community. Dr. Haughton is emphasizing that immediate action is imperative to address the public health risks associated with the neglected waste management crisis.
Dr. Andre Haughton is urging the Minister of Local Government to heed this urgent call for intervention and initiate a thorough investigation into the operations of the NSWMA in St. James Parish. It is time to address the systemic issues that are jeopardizing the health and safety of the citizens. The people of St. James deserve better, and Dr. Haughton remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for all.
