Cabinet mandates cost-cutting and revenue-collecting measures to return struggling Solid Waste to efficiency
As the National Solid Waste Management Authority continues to
struggle with timely garbage collection, the Cabinet has reviewed its
operations with the objective of ensuring this important entity
functions at an optimal level.
On Wednesday, October 25, the Cabinet met with a team from the
Authority to examine the challenges preventing it from performing
as efficiently as expected.
Reportedly, a review was undertaken by the Authority’s board of
directors and certain irregularities regarding the payment of service
providers were identified.
Allegedly, some contractors were being paid by certain ministries
and the Authority at the same time and for the same services.
The “Cabinet has, therefore, asked for a comprehensive examination
of the … contracting arrangements … to ensure that the agency is
achieving its mandate…,” the Notes report.
Additionally, the Executive has directed the Ministry of Finance to
assist in streamlining arrangements to reduce arrears to these
providers.
The intention is to eliminate any unnecessary service engagements.
However, employees of the agency have alleged, repeatedly, that
several of these providers are actually “fronts” for Cabinet ministers
and their associates.
Yet, earlier this year, the National Solid Waste Management
Authority “laid off” more than 20 contractors from its beautification
project – at least until January 2024.
Now, Finance officials are being asked to coordinate waste
management with other related government agencies, including the
St. John’s Development Corporation and the Central Board of Health
(CBH).
Ironically, the responsibility for the collection and disposal of waste
was removed from CBH in the early days of the Browne
Administration.
Meanwhile, several measures reportedly have been identified to
bring the Authority back to a sustainable position.
Among these is the requirement for all service providers to be
registered with the Inland Revenue Department, the Medical
Benefits Scheme, the Social Security Scheme, and the Board of
Education.
The Cabinet has decided that all statutory contributions owed to
these agencies will be deducted from the amounts the Government
owes the service providers.
Solid Waste is also being mandated to put measures in place to
collect all outstanding tipping fees for use of the Cook Sanitary
Landfill.
Meanwhile, the Executive has given the undertaking that three
additional trucks will be purchased to augment the garbage-
collection fleet.
The Office of the Financial Secretary will engage in discussions with
the Authority to identify other shortcomings in its operations and
discuss ways in which the agency can become more efficient.
A report is to be submitted to the Cabinet in two weeks.
