ENVIRONMENT Minister Kenred Dorsett hit back at the FNM over its criticisms of the government’s response to the persistent problem of fires at the Harrold Road Landfill, saying that the FNM did nothing to improve the situation when it was in power. His statement came as officials continue to fight a fire at the dump, the latest example of a problem that has raged for years, alarming residents and raising concerns about the health implications.

After the FNM criticised the government’s inability to solve the problem, Mr Dorsett accused the party on Tuesday night of “trying to be relevant and sway voters.”

He noted that as part of efforts to reform the landfill, the government entered into an agreement with Renew Bahamas to manage the area based on recommendations from a National Energy Task Force (NETF), which was co-chaired by Bamboo Town MP and current FNM member Renward Wells.

Mr Wells quit the PLP last year.

“Anyone visiting the landfill and seeing the Materials Recycling Facility would agree that there has been good progress over the last 18 months,” he said. “Two new weigh-bridges have been installed, recycling at a commercial scale is now a reality and we have lessened the footprint of the dumpsite. However, challenges still exist and there is more work to be done to eradicate all of the challenges which have plagued the landfill for decades. Plans are also being developed to advance medium-term to long-term remediation efforts of the landfill.

“The government is committed to bringing remediation to the New Providence Landfill evidenced by our efforts since coming to office in 2012. The government is also committed to the health and safety of its citizens also evidenced by our efforts to improve the conditions which we met at the landfill. Further evidence of our commitment is the recent removal of the derelict vehicle site from Marshall Road to its new location near the New Providence Landfill. This move is a relief to many who live in Pastel Gardens, Faith Gardens, Misty Gardens, Marshall Road, the students and faculty at Anatol Rodgers High School and residents in other neighbouring communities.”

“The Free National Movement is proficient in meaningless talk for political mileage as it has no record on which to stand concerning remediation of the New Providence Landfill. I wish to assure the public that the fires at the dump are a major concern for this administration. We will continue our work until this historical problem is no more. The government’s commitment to public health and safety, good environmental stewardship and permanent solutions as regard the landfill remains intact.”

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

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