KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Andrew Holness today called for the relocation of the Riverton landfill in St Andrew.

He made the pronouncement while making his contribution to the Budget Debate in the House of Representatives Thursday.

“We cannot continue to have a dump in the middle of residential areas…” Holness insisted. “The continued emissions of hazardous chemicals and numerous fires are putting the residents of Kingston and St Andrew at risk. “We need to find a new location and ensure that a modern landfill is created.

The Riverton landfill has been the site of a few fires over the years but Holness insisted in his presentation that the recent fire, which started last week Wednesday, March 11, is the worst yet.

“It had far-reaching and devastating impact on our children, business operations and the population as a whole,” he said.

Holness also said the landfill is a public health hazard under the direct control and management of the Government.

“It is being managed by an agency set up to regulate and police waste disposal. There is an inherent conflict when the regulator is the operator. The regulator cannot police itself,” Holness declared.

He therefore urged that the dump be divested to competent operators “who are willing to make the necessary investments to create a green landfill”.

“The dump sits on over 100 acres, has access to water and is close to the ports. These are further assets that can be leveraged in any divestment plan, as a properly managed landfill, apart from recycling, should also have the prospect of being a waste-to-energy generator,” he posited.

He acknowledged that people earn their living from the dump and would be fearful of privatisation, but insisted that there is a duty to let the people in Riverton City know that privatisation will not deprive them of an income.

“What it means in that an industry in waste disposal, recycling and energy generation could be established right in their backyard,” Holness continued. “This would give them meaningful and safer employment, and better prospects for their children. It would also mean the improvement of infrastructure and a much better living environment.”

Anika Richards