Errol Greene (standing), executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority, addresses yesterday's Lions Club of Kingston weekly luncheon meeting, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. Seated is Maurice Anderson, club president. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE NATIONAL Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), responding to sharp criticisms by the Contractor-General about the way it awards contracts, is taking steps to increase transparency in the process.
Errol Greene, NSWMA executive director, said yesterday that, within a few weeks, the public would be invited to bid for contracts to carry out sweeping and collection of solid waste. "For the first time we are going public with our contract awards so that everybody can have a chance to bid," Mr. Greene said while addressing a luncheon hosted by the Lions Club of Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. He said the authority has introduced cost-cutting measures which are reaping results.
INCREASE EFFICIENCY
The move comes against the background of recommendations by Contractor-General Greg Christie for the authority to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Between February 2004 and April 2005, the NSWMA spent a total of $80 million on expenses at the Riverton landfill. However, Mr. Greene said the authority expended less than half that amount for the corresponding period for 2005/2006, when approximately $37 million was spent.
FEWER FIRES
He also pointed out that the frequency of fires at the landfill has been significantly reduced, with the last fire occurring in January.
Turning to the illegal disposal of solid waste, Mr. Greene issued a strong warning to businesses, noting that breaches would be met with the full force of the law.
He told the gathering that at least one business operator was slapped with a $60,000 fine last week in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court. Fines ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 were also imposed on other offenders. Since January some 50 businesses have been fined for dumping garbage illegally.
