Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett yesterday announced the relocation of the derelict vehicle site from its current location on Marshall Road to the New Providence Landfill on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. "It has taken longer than I had hoped, but in short order the people who reside in the areas surrounding the derelict site such as Misty Gardens, Pastel Gardens, Faith Gardens and Marshall Road will not have to contend with the noise pollution, unpleasant sight of the derelict vehicles or endure the smoke which emanates from the site in the event of a fire," Dorsett said in statement.

"For the residents of Misty Gardens, they have lobbied for the removal of the derelict vehicle site for over 20 years. "I promised them during the 2012 campaign that, if elected, I would remove it and I am pleased that the promise is fulfilled." According to Dorsett, the removal of the vehicles and other debris is 75 to 80 percent completed and ongoing.

He also highlighted the relief the relocation will have on the students and faculty of Anatol Rogers High School, referring to the several occasions the school had to be closed because of fires at the site next door. Dorsett said the Marshall Road property will be transformed into a green and recreational space, which will be advanced by the newly established Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority.

The environment minister added that the ministry will ramp up its efforts to rid New Providence of derelict vehicles in public spaces, along verges and roads. He also announced that the bulk waste collection program for 2015/2016 will begin this month. "It is hoped that these efforts will assist in restoring the island's clean environment," Dorsett said. "We all must do our part to keep our environs clean."

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