Jamaica’s National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has encountered a pressing challenge as it grapples with a dwindling pool of drivers.
Audley Gordon, the Executive Director of NSWMA, has shed light on the situation, attributing it to drivers seeking more lucrative opportunities overseas, particularly in the Cayman Islands and Canada.
Over the past two years, the NSWMA has seen a significant exodus of its drivers to foreign shores, enticed by the promise of higher salaries.
This departure of skilled personnel has placed the authority in a predicament, as it strives to replace these drivers .
Hurdles in recruitment
One of the primary hurdles faced by the NSWMA in recruiting new drivers is the rigorous driving test that applicants must pass.
Gordon acknowledged the difficulty of the test, emphasizing that even experienced drivers might find it challenging.
Gordon further highlighted that failure in the initial attempt at the driving test is not uncommon. He noted that many applicants face disappointment during their first try, but they are encouraged to make a second attempt. This perseverance often pays off, as most applicants successfully pass the test on their subsequent tries.
Addressing the immediate shortage
In response to the shortage of drivers, the NSWMA is taking immediate action to address the issue. Two additional drivers are set to be deployed to Western Parks and Markets Waste Management Limited, a division that covers Westmoreland, St. James, Trelawny, and Hanover.
This move aims to alleviate the strain caused by idle trucks due to the lack of qualified drivers, as revealed by Cleansing Manager Patrick Gilchrist during a meeting of the St. James Municipal Corporation.
The SWEEP Initiative: Clearing the garbage backlog
To tackle the pressing issue of delayed garbage collection in the western region, the NSWMA is turning to its SWEEP initiative.
This proactive approach is in response to frustration expressed by councillors at the St. James Municipal Corporation.
In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Gordon affirmed the agency’s commitment to resolving the garbage backlog swiftly.
Operation SWEEP: A vital resource
Operation SWEEP, equipped with 10 motorcycles and eight new garbage trucks, was launched earlier this year.
Its mission is to enhance and enforce waste management practices across the country, making it an invaluable resource for addressing the garbage backlog in the western region.
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