Despite the lingering impact of smoke on large swaths of New Providence, the government has been satisfied with Renew Bahamas' response to a series of fires as it ramps up efforts for its waste-to-energy recycling facility, according to Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett.

Speaking with NB12, Dorsett said he is "fairly satisfied" with Renew's response to the fires, but said government is not considering compensation for residents surrounding the landfill area at this time, noting only that talks with area stakeholders are ongoing.

"I think in the fullness of time when we truly venture into the waste-to-energy opportunities we will once and for all rid the problem of the landfill, fires and environmental degradation that has existed for a very long time. I am fairly satisfied with the work that has been advanced by Renew. They've begun the construction of the materials recycling facility and when that is completed then we will certainly see a ramped effort in terms of getting a lot of that refuse that catches fire through the material recycling facility," he said.

The large fire that blanketed New Providence in smoke in January, along with several other smaller fires last month, was believed to be the work of an arsonist. Dorsett said that he is eagerly awaiting the completion of Renew's materials recycling facility, noting that the company had seen an increase in tipping fee revenue at the landfill since it completed the installation of new weighbridges in November 2014.

Renew Bahamas President and CEO Gerhard Beukes had previously told Guardian Business that the company is operating as usual following the most recent series of fires and still plans on completing its $4 million recycling facility by the end of this month before beginning test loads in April. To date, the company has sent several waste shipments to China, India and Taiwan.

"The reality is it's an area that covers over 100 acres that is difficult to police so oftentimes we see people getting access to the landfill and sadly lighting fires to get metal and other substances from the landfill for sale. It's an incredible challenge but they reacted swiftly.

"They are going to be beefing up security, we're going to have additional discussions with them about how we can compliment what they are doing, but I'm satisfied with how they're progressing," said Dorsett.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian