Solid Waste resumes collection of derelict vehicles, starting Round South, and sparking speculation about by-elections

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has
recommenced its removal of derelict vehicles from certain parts of
the island.
 
A press release from the Authority, issued this week, says the
initiative resumed on September 11, in District 1, which includes
Old Road, Cades Bay, Urlings, Johnsons Point, Crabbe Hill, Bolans,
and Jennings.
 
Other areas earmarked for derelict-vehicle removal are Ebenezer,
Creekside, Golden Grove, Cashew Hill, Bathlodge and Bendals.

Meanwhile, the notice has prompted some residents to see the
resumption in a political light, as several of the first-named
communities fall within the St. Mary’s South constituency – where a
by-election is imminent – while the second set of villages are within
the St. Mary’s North constituency, where there is speculation about
another by-election.
 
The Litter Control and Prevention Act, 2019, authorizes the Authority
to rid the roadsides, or any other public place, of these old and
abandoned vehicles.
 
Over the years, the Authority has been on a drive to remove these
eyesores, which also serve as breeding grounds for rodents and
other vermin.
 
During its drives, abandoned vehicles are marked with a red “X” and
dated – indicating they will be removed by the agency if the owners
do not remove the vehicles themselves within a specified period.
 
There are certain areas around the island that appear to be dumping
grounds for derelict vehicles.
 
According to the Act, in Section 13 (1): “Where any derelict vehicle
is left in any public place in such circumstances as to cause,
contribute to, or tend to the defacement of the environment … the
local authority may give notice to the owner or last known owner …
requiring him to remove the derelict vehicle from the public place
within 24 hours of such notice.”   
 
Derelict vehicles that are on private lands are not touched, but some
residents complain that they are breeding grounds for vermin that
carry diseases.