KINGSTON, Jamaica — The garbage facility at the Papine Market will be relocated to curb the ongoing issue of illegal dumping, says Councillor for the Papine Division Darrington Ferguson.

“For sure, coming shortly we will be relocating the garbage area — to also put it where it can be properly managed and less access to the public to put their garbage there,” he said during a visit to the market on Friday.

However, vendors at the market claim that the problem extends beyond just those selling inside, with others also contributing to the garbage build-up.

“[It’s affecting us] very bad,” a vendor who has been in the area for decades told Observer Online. She added, “People come from everywhere, come throw down things. Sometimes you’ll see it cleaned by Wednesday and by Wednesday evening it’s dirty again.”

Garbage pileup at the Papine Market garbage facility

She further claimed that cars and trucks with loads of refuse regularly use the area as a dumping ground — a practice that is impacting sales, as the smell wards off potential customers.

Confirming the account, Councillor Ferguson said, “Definitely, I can tell you, I have seen it where people just pass by, empty their waste out of their vehicles and that cannot continue.”

He said the design and location for the new facility have already been sorted.

“Coming in shortly, as early as maybe the next two weeks, you will see the construction of a new garbage area to make sure that what is there now, we have better control over the collection of garbage,” he promised.