Editorial | Tackling junk

We greet the announcement that a massive islandwide removal of derelict motor vehicles will shortly be undertaken; though it raises the questions: Why has it taken so long? How soon is shortly?

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie made a slew of announcements during his contribution to the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, as he gave account of his stewardship and suggested new ideas which will impact safety, aesthetics and community life.

One such idea is to remove derelict vehicles and bulk waste, which the minister described as eyesores and health hazards. The fact is, many of these vehicles have been abandoned for decades. And these vehicles once belonged to someone and are usually traceable via a registration or vehicle identification number (VIN).

Take the nuisance of sidewalk garages. They have operated with impunity all over the city, creating hazards for disabled and the elderly. Indeed, the last time there was a concerted effort to deal with them was when the minister himself was mayor of Kingston.

In our view, the first action required to tackle this longstanding blight on our streets is to seek legal remedy. The ministry should use existing laws to address the problem, even as it advocates for stricter enforcement.

Ultimately, for any initiative like this to work effectively, however, the community must be engaged in the search for solutions. One place to start is for the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to establish a tip line, so that persons can report a vehicle which appears to be abandoned in their community, having been parked there for over a long period.

RECENT ACQUISITIONS

The minister recited the recent acquisitions which the NSWMA would use to do their job: four new crane trucks, nearly 1,500 drums to be placed in areas where there are no garbage bins, 10 new compactor trucks delivered and 40 more to come, and specialised scout trucks to get to inaccessible areas. That’s an impressive number of resources being dedicated to efforts to create a better living environment. Is Mr McKenzie missing the mark though?

While the minister has expressed his total confidence in the NSWMA management, we cannot share his enthusiasm. Here it is, NSWMA has piloted plastic separation in 69 communities. A good initiative, to be sure. However, from reports received, collection is not consistent. Some weeks, the truck does not show. At other times, it does not arrive as scheduled, leaving householders disappointed and frustrated.

There is no doubt that managing solid waste is a tough job. We applaud the men and women, including those who are up at the crack of dawn to do their jobs.

What is lacking in the leadership is the kind of creativity to ensure that, even with limited resources, people who walk, ride or drive are provided with clean, more people-friendly, and accessible streets.

For example, how about trying artistic interventions like the one that is working so beautifully in Water Lane? The beauty that exudes from this space is a sure deterrent to any litterbug. So, how about duplicating this in other spaces, working with organisations like Kingston Creative? Surely NSWMA could build on this momentum to arrive at the kind of transformation that we require to effect meaningful change in our communities.

We have repeatedly advocated for the NSWMA to embrace innovative solutions, in order to reduce the generation of waste, minimise pollution, and to create a more sustainable future. Yes, compactors and cranes are necessary, but fighting blight requires more.