Three new trucks have been added to the fleet of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

The vehicles are valued at approximately $74.7 m.

The units, valued at $24.9 m each, will serve the Metropolitan Parks and Markets Region, Western Parks and Markets and North Eastern Parks and Markets.

Each region will receive one unit to strengthen collection and transportation of solid waste.

Speaking at the handover ceremony today (Oct 16) Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, said the government is committed to boosting the fleet of trucks in order to ensure that the agency delivers quality service.

He said that since 2016, the NSWMA has received 30 new vehicles.

By the end of this year into January 2019, an additional 12 trucks will complement the fleet, and by the end of 2019, there will be close to 50 brand new trucks for the NSWMA.

Mr. McKenzie noted that while garbage collection has improved, the agency is still not where it wants to be in terms of the volume and the frequency of collection, and the additional trucks will strengthen efforts in this regard.

The minister urged the workers to take care of the units, which will assist them in performing their duties effectively.

In the meantime, McKenzie says the government is working to relocate the occupants residing at the Retirement landfill in St. James.

He informs that the Social Development Commission (SDC) will be undertaking a census to determine the number of persons living at the dump.

The minister explains that this census will help to determine the relocation of those persons.

He says the government has to ensure that once the residents are removed there is an area for them to relocate.

Mr. McKenzie states that   an area has been located but the authorities have to do the proper assessment.