The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is taking a firm stance on the disposal of commercial garbage. During a recent meeting held in the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber, Kingston’s Mayor Andrew Swaby emphasized the need for businesses to engage reputable service providers for garbage disposal.
Mayor Swaby underscored the KSAMC’s commitment to supporting the business community while also enforcing responsible waste management practices. “While we recognize the vital role businesses play in our economy, we cannot overlook the improper garbage disposal practices observed among some operators,” he stated.
The mayor highlighted concerns over informal waste disposal methods, such as the use of handcarts to dump garbage in vacant lots, sidewalks, and public spaces. Such practices undermine efforts to maintain cleanliness and public health in the city.
In response, the KSAMC recently conducted a comprehensive compliance and enforcement drive in the downtown business district. This initiative involved collaboration with several key partners, including the Tax Administration Jamaica, National Solid Waste Management Authority, Public Health Department, Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The primary objective of the drive was to ensure that businesses adhere to proper garbage disposal protocols and are engaging with reputable waste management service providers. The KSAMC team inspected establishments to verify that they had made appropriate arrangements for garbage collection.
To address language barriers and improve communication, the KSAMC also coordinated with the Chinese Ambassador, given the significant number of businesses owned by Chinese nationals. The mayor expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his support in disseminating information through various platforms. Additionally, a translator has been enlisted to facilitate better communication between the KSAMC and business owners.
Mayor Swaby confirmed that this initiative is an ongoing effort, with unannounced visits planned to continue monitoring and ensuring compliance across the municipality. The KSAMC remains dedicated to maintaining high standards of waste management and public cleanliness.
