ALMOST 50 derelict vehicles were removed from streets and roadsides in Portmore, St Catherine, on Wednesday as National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its Derelict Vehicles and Bulky Waste Removal Programme.

That represents just less than half of the 107 derelict vehicles which head of the NSWMA Audley Gordon said have been identified to be taken off the streets of Portmore.

“We can’t just see a derelict vehicle and remove it. We have to put a ticket on that vehicle to notify the owner of our intention. The owner can then make whatever arrangement they want to make, but if the vehicle is still there after the expiration of the notice period, which is usually 14 days, then we can remove it,” said Gordon.

He pointed out the programme will be extended across the island as the NSWMA “cannot allow these derelict vehicles to be out there creating mosquito breeding sites and blocking up sidewalks, we can’t have it,” added Gordon.

The NSWMA head was speaking following the launch of what Prime Minister Andrew Holness described as a national campaign for the removal of bulky waste and eradication of mosquito breeding sites from communities following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Addressing the launch of the programme at the Waterford Community Centre in Portmore on Wednesday, Holness said the initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development through the NSWMA, will involve extensive islandwide cleanup, bushing and removal of debris.

Just over $500 million has been allocated to the NSWMA to undertake the programme.

Holness pointed out that the 50 trucks, which the NSWMA acquired in June, will be utilised in the cleanup exercise. The units are comprised of compacter, crane, tipper, and scout trucks.

Noting the increase in the mosquito population in Portmore in the aftermath of Beryl, the prime minister said that 100 workers will be deployed to the municipality to support the cleanup activities.

“When we do this exercise, I guarantee you the breeding sites for the mosquitoes will be removed,” said Holness.

He said allocations have also been made to other entities as part of post-Beryl recovery activities.

According to Holness, the National Works Agency (NWA) has received approximately $800 million “to go right across Jamaica and look at all the drains that are blocked, particularly the earthen drains, and to clean those…to relieve areas that are waterlogged”. That exercise has already begun.

In addition, Holness said that money has been provided to the Ministry of Health and Wellness for mosquito fogging, under the national vector-control programme.