NSWMA struggling to rid Westmoreland of garbage
Published:Saturday | April 11, 2026 | 1:15 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Residents in Westmoreland are being assured that efforts to clear garbage, bulky waste, and storm debris are being intensified, despite ongoing challenges faced by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).
Speaking with The Gleaner, NSWMA Regional Manager Dramaine Jones explained that while the agency is actively involved in clean-up operations, some aspects fall outside of its direct responsibility.
“We are currently removing bulky waste and storm debris in Westmoreland … and some parts of St James, but that’s done in another department,” Jones said.
He acknowledged that garbage disposal across Westmoreland has been significantly impacted in the aftermath of the hurricane, which struck approximately six months ago.
“It is no secret, we’ve had some challenges since the hurricane. Yes, the hurricane has been … months ago, but it delivered some superior load, both to us physically, as well as to our staff. We are slowly recovering,” he noted.
According to Jones, NSWMA teams have been working extended hours in an effort to address the backlog.
“We have been pushing our teams, basically working up to 18 hours a day. We’ve had some equipment challenges, which had set us back a bit. We are slowly pulling things together,” he said.
IMPROVING SERVICE
In response to mounting concerns from residents, the agency has begun taking steps to improve service delivery in the parish. Jones revealed that additional personnel have been reassigned to bolster operations.
“However, addressing the issue, we’re in the process of basically organising to get all of those areas that have not been cleaned, to get them properly cleaned,” he stated.
The clean-up effort he stated, began approximately a month ago, with priority attention being given to sections of Negril.
“There are a number of places. Yes, there are some areas on the outskirts of Negril, which we’re ensuring that we address promptly, because we don’t want that situation to get out of control,” Jones added.
He further highlighted that the challenges being faced are not limited to equipment shortages, but also include human resource constraints.
“As I said, it is both physical and human resources. But we are addressing those issues. We’re not back to 100 per cent yet, but we’re getting there,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Jones emphasised that the NSWMA remains committed to maintaining operations and improving conditions for affected communities.