INDEPENDENT GARBAGE-trucking crews, contracted to support the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) ageing rolling stock, have come under suspicion of fraud and misappropriation of funds, after allegations surfaced about the abuse of the billing system used "for work done."
The NSWMA said it notified the police and requested a full scale investigation into the matter. Its Internal Audit department was also requested to "invite the Auditor-General's team to work in collaboration with the police in determining the facts."
"The internal systems are now being reviewed and to allow for greater levels of controls and accountability and the phased resumption of the supplementary fleet," the Authority said.
In addition, garbage collections are likely to be delayed 24 to 28 hours during the current suspension of independent garbage collectors and their crews, the solid waste agency has confirmed.
The NSWMA says it is taking action to minimise the disruptions which are expected to affect several communities in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine and Clarendon.
"Units on long-term contract have been asked to assist with collections after the completion of their daily contractual schedules," the NSWMA said in a statement.
Stating that its units are operating on a 24-hour basis, the Authority said: "Collections in most of the affected areas will take place during the afternoon hours."
On Monday, the NSWMA announced that it had suspended all supplementary fleet assigned to Metropolitan Parks and Markets (MPM) Waste Management Limited.
Among the areas that will be affected by the delays in garbage collection are, in Kingston and St. Andrew- Lawrence Tavern, Glengoffe, Cherry Gardens, Norbrook, Stony Hill, Bull Bay, Harbour View, Hermitage, Constant Spring, Meadowbrook, Havendale, Smokey Vale and Port Royal.
In St. Catherine, the affected areas are Spanish Town, St. John's Road, Guy's Hill and Ewarton. And in Clarendon, Frankfield, Chapelton, Trout Hall, Lionel Town, Four Path, Rocky Point May Pen and Summerfield.
