Controlling the scrap metal trade
Dear Editor,
Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Mrs Joan Gordon-Webley, manages the removal of waste from our towns and cities. Recently she indicated that it’s her intention to enter the scrap metal trade. The trade is wreaking havoc on industries in general. Since there is little or no scrap metal available, thieves are raiding industries, government installations and various institutions of valuable material running into millions of dollars.
If a stop is not put to this, it will cost the government and businesses much more in production and replacement of parts and equipment. It is therefore recommended that:
(1) The shipment of scrap metal be seasonal — giving the country time to build up its real scrap metal inventory — maybe two months yearly, say, November and December.
(2) All shipments should be channelled through NSWMA. This will allow for greater accountability.
(3) Individuals found with illegal scrap metal should be given a mandatory prison sentence. The government must put the scrap metal trade on the front burner, for as it is now it is counter-productive.
Garth Martin
PO Box 955
Kingston 8
