Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie has confirmed that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is actively addressing a backlog of approximately 218 truckloads of garbage across the island.

Speaking at the Standing Finance Committee meeting on Friday, Mr. McKenzie explained that the backlog was largely caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa which required the agency to launch a nationwide Debris Management Programme.

To assist with the cleanup, the NSWMA has deployed private contractors, government-owned trucks, and an additional ten tipper trucks to supplement its regular fleet.

However, Minister McKenzie noted that increased garbage generation over the Christmas period has compounded the backlog.

He further highlighted ongoing challenges with improper waste disposal and containerisation by some residents which continues to hamper the Authority’s efforts.