A resident shows Tyrone's Watch where garbage is being dumped in the quiet rural community of Guava Gap.

What's not working:

Residents in Guava Gap, rural St Andrew, are complaining about a decade-long garbage disposal problem, lamenting that the collection trucks rarely visit the community. Hence, the citizens say they are forced to dump waste into nearby bushes.

Synopsis of situation:

Guava Gap residents, one of whom admitted to dumping rubbish, say they have been requesting that refuse skips be placed in Guava Gap Square to stem the practice of illegal waste disposal.

However, nothing has been done to address their woes. One resident said the National Solid Waste Management Authority is well aware of the situation as a meeting was convened with officials early in 2007 when the matter was raised. The agency conducted an early-morning operation last week Monday. One person was ticketed for dumping.

Gloria, a resident who lives close to the dumping site, says dumping has exacerbated rat infestation which causes public nuisance and raises health concerns.

Who's responsible?

NSWMA

What's the status?

The status is unclear. Senior investigator at NSWMA, Phillip Morgan, said the operation last Monday was carried out in response to residents' complaints that garbage was being dumped. When asked about infrequent garbage collection by the NSWMA, Morgan said that the question would have to be posed to the regional operations manager, Gordon Ramsay.

Several attempts to contact Ramsay proved futile.

Conclusion

The problem in Guava Gap is two-pronged, as illicit dumping and infrequent garbage collection are both absolutely unacceptable. Rat infestation was inevitable, as waste stretches for several metres from the roadside.

The residents and authorities must take a collaborative approach to rectify the situation. A reasonable solution must be reached.

The NSWMA must set a rigid schedule for more frequent garbage collection.

On the other hand, residents should avoid illegal dumping, which will have deleterious effects on the environment as well as on social order and public health.

- Marlon Vickerman

The mess of garbage dumped by Guava Gap residents includes cans, plastic bags and other household waste. - Photos by Marlon Vickerman

We want to hear from you!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action.

Write to: Tyrone Reid The Gleaner Company Limited7 North Street, PO Box 40 Kingston; Fax: 922-6223 Telephone: 922-3400, Ext 6364 or email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com