ST JAMES, Jamaica — The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) continues to tackle illegal dumping across Jamaica, having undertaken a cleanup operation at a site on Baptist Road in St Elizabeth, on May 7.

The initiative, spearheaded through the SPM Waste Management Limited, is part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle illegal dumping and promote environmental stewardship.

On site was Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, who shared that there is blatant disregard for proper waste-disposal practices, noting that the dumpsite contained various items, such as bags of tiles, roofing material, old appliances, and other debris.

He underscored the importance of responsible waste management, while noting that the entity’s tipping fee of $1,000 at disposal sites is among the lowest globally to encourage proper disposal of wastes.

Gordon is calling on the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation and residents to cooperate in preventing illegal dumping in the parish.

“We are asking the St Elizabeth [Municipal Corporation], through their municipal police, to help us as we do the same with our enforcement officers to put more vigilance on the spot,” he said.

“We must also get the residents in the area to play their part and be vigilant as well. Whenever they see a truck going up [and illegally dumping garbage], take a picture and send it to us. We have [social media] that they can use to give us information. We will use the plate number or whatever we can get from the truck that can help us to track it down, find the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.

Crewmen attached to the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) clear an illegal dumping site along Baptist Road in St. Elizabeth, on Tuesday, May 7. (Photo: Okoye Henry)

Gordon said that the NSWMA remains committed to its cleanup campaign throughout Jamaica, continue public education and urge people to reject illegal dumping.

“Jamaica’s beauty is our collective duty. Everybody has to play their part in the clean Jamaica campaign. So, we are appealing to good conscience, we’re appealing to that better self, and we are saying, let’s partner to keep our country clean,” he said.

For his part, Regional Operations Manager for SPM Waste Management Limited, Sheldon Smith, highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing illegal dumpsites across the parish.

He outlined the importance of community involvement in maintaining cleanliness and announced plans to install no-dumping signs and increase enforcement in the Baptist Road area.

Resident, Shellian Brian, said it is important to keep the community clean, as there are health risks associated with illegal dumpsites. She commended the NSWMA’s cleanup efforts.

She is also calling for unity among community members to prevent future illegal dumping on Baptist Road.

— JIS