By Kisean Joseph
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) announced a comprehensive series of initiatives aimed at modernising waste management infrastructure and improving service delivery across Antigua and Barbuda.
These developments, backed by substantial government investment, mark a significant step forward in the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
In a recent interview, NSWMA Board Chairman Michael Joseph said that the Cabinet has approved three acres of land for the construction of a purpose-built headquarters which will provide the NSWMA with a dedicated space to enhance its operational efficiency.
“The Cabinet has approved three acres of land for the use of National Solid Waste Management to erect its own headquarters, so that we have somewhere that we can have a purpose-built facility,” Joseph said.
The NSWMA will also engage a consultant from Essex, UK, to transform the existing landfill into a state-of-the-art facility, a collaboration that demonstrates the government’s commitment to implementing global best practices in waste management, he added.
Additionally, seven new garbage trucks have been added to the NSWMA fleet, with Joseph emphasising that this acquisition will not only maintain but improve current waste collection schedules. The authority also plans to address long-standing concerns about road conditions leading to the landfill, which have been a source of complaints from contractors, Joseph disclosed.
Meanwhile, Joseph said the NSWMA’s future plans include the introduction of comprehensive recycling programmes at the household level.
“This will ultimately reduce the number of items that makes its way to the landfill that can be utilized for other purposes,” he explained, adding that the initiative will include the segregation of compost and plastic waste, with dedicated collection areas for different types of recyclable materials.
To support the new recycling programme, the NSWMA plans to provide standardised waste bins to households. “We do intend to ensure that homes are provided with standard National Solid Waste Management bins to ensure that our loaders, our staff, afford homeowners the respect that entitles the citizens of this country,” Joseph noted.
The government has demonstrated strong financial backing for these initiatives, with approximately three million dollars already invested in the NSWMA, and an additional million is expected to be invested within the next six months, bringing the total investment to four million dollars.
However, Joseph emphasised that success depends on public participation. “The National Solid Waste Management Authority, the Ministry of Health, the government of Antigua and Barbuda cannot keep Antigua and Barbuda clean without the people taking the initiative to make sure that their surroundings are clean,” he said.
These developments will hopefully support the vision of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to create a cleaner, healthier nation.
