Proper private arrangements are to be made with reputable service providers for the disposal of commercial garbage.

This was stated by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby during the recent meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), held in the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber, downtown Kingston.

“While the KSAMC is in support of businesses and their importance to the economy, we will not accept the poor garbage disposal practices currently being used by some operators,” the mayor said.

“For example, there is the informal arrangement of handcart men dumping garbage on vacant lots, sidewalks and public spaces,” he added.

The mayor informed that during the summer break, the KSAMC organised a joint compliance and enforcement drive in the downtown business district.

He said the KSAMC revenue team worked with partners, which included Tax Administration Jamaica, National Solid Waste Management Authority, Public Health Department, Jamaica Fire Brigade and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

He explained that the main goal was to ensure that business operators are adhering to their responsibility of disposing commercial garbage in a responsible manner.

He added, too, that checks were made to confirm that arrangements were in place with reputable companies or individuals who deal with garbage collection.

“Prior to visiting these establishments, myself and the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) met with the Chinese Ambassador to sensitise him, given the large number of businesses that are owned by Chinese nationals. I use this opportunity to thank the Ambassador for offering to assist us by disseminating information on their various platforms. In light of the language barrier, the KSAMC has secured the services of a translator to enhance the communication between the parties,” he said.

The mayor said that the initiative is ongoing and that unannounced visits will be made by the team to other business establishments throughout the municipality.

-JIS