Garbage pile-up to be reduced by this weekend – McKenzie

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says the pile-up of garbage in some communities should be reduced by this weekend.

McKenzie says he has received several complaints from people islandwide regarding the backlog in the collection of their waste and the increase in rodent infestation which has accompanied the delay in collection.

The minister is seeking to reassure Jamaicans that measures are being put in place and every effort is being made to improve garbage collection.

He is urging members of the public who are experiencing difficulty in the collection and disposal of their residential waste to report it to the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

He is also urging Jamaicans to play their part in avoiding a rat infestation by properly packaging their waste, keeping their surroundings clean and exercising proper waste disposal measures. 

McKenzie says he will be discussing issues relating to garbage collection during the Cabinet retreat now underway and he will soon update the country and stakeholders on the way forward.