LUCEA, Hanover — National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) e xecutive d irector Audley Gordon has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the authority in Hanover despite the lack of resources.

“In the case of Hanover, I am pleased to tell you that although we have challenges with units that have left us, regular breakdown of units because of mechanical defects…we are doing well in Hanover. And, the mayor of Lucea is on record…, he spoke quite glowingly about the efforts of the NSWMA. He did not say we are doing a perfect job; what he said is that he is pleased with the way things are going, and the lines of communications that are open to him as mayor,” said Gordon.

The reassurance from the NSWMA boss came last weekfollowing a tour of the capital town, Lucea, and meetings with authorities in Hanover, including the Hanover Municipal Corporation and the Social Development Commission (SDC).

He also made a presentation at the Negril Destination Assurance Council (DAC) meeting at the municipal building.

The executive director told the Jamaica Observer West following his presentation that his visit to the parish was not only in response to a story recently carried in a newspaper article entitled, ‘Worrisome Garbage Problems in Hanover’, but forms part of the NSWMA’s community outreach programme aimed at getting to know business operators and residents whom the authority serves, as well as to carry out enforcement where necessary.

Gordon added that the NSWMA is accountable to the public and, as such, welcomes all criticisms.

“We take all criticisms on board. We look at them. We do not believe we are above criticism. As a matter of fact, we want to be held to a higher standard, so once there are criticisms, what we do, we look at it, we see where we can adjust, what we can tweak and what we can do better; how we can do things differently, even when we think that those criticisms are not exactly in keeping with the reality on the ground. But, based on our data and based on what we have seen when we go out there, we still treat them (criticisms) with respect,” Gordon argued.

Mayor of Lucea Sheridan Samuels said the Hanover Municipal Corporation is comfortable with its working relationship with the NSWMA.

“If the issue of trucks breaking down comes to the forefront, we will ask questions and advise them of the area that we have the concerns in. And, I can assure you, they will do their best to ensure that it (garbage) is cleaned up in short order,” Mayor Samuels explained.

He made it clear that the municipality understands the challenges that the authority faces, and as a result, will not crucify them.

“It can happen to anyone of us. If we have equipment working and it breaks down, we have to wait until it is fixed. And in waiting until it is fixed, they put other alternatives in place and they send tipper trucks and so on,” Mayor Samuels said.