Chang says political cronyism behind landfill fire

Arscott denies claims

Saturday, February 11, 2012

OPPOSITION spokesperson on housing, water and the environment, Dr Horace Chang, has blamed political cronyism for the fire which has been burning at the Riverton City landfill, posing a serious health risk to persons living in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.

According to Chang, the slow response ofy the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the failure to follow standard operating procedures caused the fire, which has been burning since Monday, to get out of control.

"...The dismissal of middle management staff for suspected affiliation with the previous administration meant that the institutional knowledge developed to manage such fires were not available to the NSWMA," he charged.

In addition, he questioned why existing heavy equipment contractors "were not immediately used to respond to the fire".

"It is my information that a decision was taken to find contractors who were 'genetically' linked," he alleged.

"While the NSWMA was busy ascertaining the political genealogy of contractors and workers, the fire at the Riverton City Landfill rages on and thousands of persons will suffer extended discomfort and possible health risks in the name of political patronage and cronyism," he further argued.

But in a swift response, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Noel Arscott, expressed disappointment at what he described as "outrageous claims" and urged Dr Chang "not to politicise such a catastrophic event".

"The problem at the landfill is a longstanding one, the Ministry took action as soon as we became aware of the situation," Arscott said, and extended an invitation to Chang to "discuss the situation and to address any issues he might have".

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COMMENTS (13)

James St. John
2/12/2012

Did not expect better from Chang, and that is one of the reasons the JLP is in opposition...and if they all continue down this road they will remain in opposition for a loooong time...Put the letter "e" at the end of "Chang" and you get what he, and the JLP needs to do at this time......the Country needs a constructive opposition.

Ramon Castro
2/12/2012

JLP is accusing and had accused the PNP of cronyism and nepotism. PNP had accused the JLP of cronyism and nepotism. Both through their respective spokesperson have denied the charges. Breaking NEWS -- JLP and PNP are GUILTY of cronyism and nepotism. fall mouth and wanda woeman spin as much as you can the PNP is GUILTY. And if you were speaking on behalf of the JLP, it too would be GUILTY. Take your heads out of your --- and you would see that both parties are cut from the same cloth!!

0o k
2/11/2012

What the JLP has not accepted their General Election loss?
I thought they conceded.
Hire forward the Comrade Team and let them put out the fiyah, afterall Riverton is a Comrade Dump and they know it like the holy book.

dayne anderson
2/11/2012

Instead of this political game, Mr. Chang should be finding soltuions to this massive problems. This will result in serious health issues for many. Some people may even have to sue the Government if they are not compensated due to their illness. This is pure slackness and the Government of the day must take some of the blame. They now have the power so do soemthign about this situation quickly and stop chasing your tails. Shame on all these politicians for their disrespect of all Jamaicans.

Patricia Lu
2/11/2012

The Man have a right to call it for what it it...and a minister has a right to respond in kind. Not only are "these people" unbelievable but the gullable masses are UNbelievable. Chang is on point. These are the same tactics that has caused division within our society. Cronyism and nepotism. This unfortunate incident can be a long term job creator & revenue. Reorganize and construct a site for sorting, recycling and making containers from the recycles. Start fine people for not using them.

Edward Andrade
2/11/2012

The site has not erupted for the time Miss Webley was there ( come on mann) Is it such a difficult job or did someone light the site.I would like to see the Government JUMP ON any situation with URGENCY before it reaches crisis propotion wether it be CRIME or...Please be PROACTIVE.

ghost rider
2/11/2012

Dr. Chang you mean cronyism like when B.G fired the entire PSC? I like this quote from Jay Brown: "Dr Chang had better be wrong in his claim because if he is correct, it would seem to suggest that the JLP govt had used only the services of loyal JLP contractor to deal with these fires in the past."
Our vines have tender grapes because there goes those fingers pointing back.
We could ask the ppl at Solid Waste if the claim by Dr. Chang is indeed true, but if so, what? The govt. needs to probe how the fire started -- is it like the one at the office?

claude russell
2/11/2012

Everything the JLP faced upon assuming the role of government in '07, seems to be besetting the PNP. Odd isn't it? I wonder if its their karma? Sometimes if you wish bad luck for others, it comes around to bite you in the you know where!

fall mouth
2/11/2012

I hope Dr. Chang is not saying that the present administration should have retained the services of Mrs. Williams and her ilk.
That is the first place that should have been cleaned out lock stock and barrel after the mysterious fire which destroyed part of the building and important documents.
When is the JLP going to settle down and be the responsible opposition it should be if Jamaica is to move forward?

nervous investor
2/11/2012

So what else is new ... we saw this prejudicial behavior in the 1970s and the 1990s and the early 2000s did we not? I doubt that Chang would be saying these things - blowing the whistle as it were - unless he had some "on the ground" knowledge.

Paul Gentles
2/11/2012

A country divided shall fail and fall. Best person for job over political side if the country is to move forward. Though Chang himself is a political animal not neutral in his opinions this accusiation should not be taken lightly - checks and balances, opposition role is to keep govt on its toes.

wanda woeman
2/11/2012

The Minister should not have dignified Dr. Chang’s charge with an answer.
I’m thinking that the only political cronyism associated with the fie is the JLP's refusal to accept their massive loss at the polls in December, and it is something that can be expected throughout the tenure of this administration.
Chang certainly has a gall talking about political cronyism after the utterances of Mr. Vaz leading up to the elections.
Similar to the argument coming from Mr. Shaw about “getting on with the job,” when he was not even able to give an IMF report for how many quarters.
These people are unbelievable.

Jay Brown
2/11/2012

Is this the new and different management that the PNP promised us. If Dr Chang is correct, this would be one of the most blatant act of not caring about the interest of the people, that I have seen in years.
Dr Chang had better be wrong in his claim because if he is correct, it would seem to suggest that the JLP government had used only the services of loyal JLP contractor to deal with these fires in the past.
When will this madness stop

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Chang says political cronyism behind landfill fire