As residents boil with frustration on the issue of slow garbage collection, the minister of the environment says he is looking to establish a help desk to foster better communication and more accountability.
Kenred Dorsett confirmed to Guardian Business that close to 50 percent of its 22-truck fleet is not operational. He admitted that the fleet's reduction has placed a strain on the Department of Environmental Health Services.
"It has been reduced to 12 or 13, which clearly has put some strain on the Department of Environmental Health Services to collect garbage in a timely manner," according to Dorsett. "Private sector companies are assisting us in collection so that the situation doesn't get out of hand. But there have still been complaints that garbage is not collected on time."
The environment minister said most Bahamians are not aware of the 30 routes that exist in New Providence. Therefore, the government hopes to establish a help desk.
"We want an environment where garbage collection is effectively managed. Bahamians need to know who is assigned to a specific route, whether or not it's a private contractor or the public service and when is their garbage to be collected," he shared. "So if it is not collected on that day, they can immediately call the help desk or someone within the department so the situation can be dealt with. Our obligation is to collect the garbage as quickly as possible and on time."
Privatization has been necessary for the government during this difficult period. Bahamas Waste continues to be awarded a number of short-term contracts, and the BISX-listed company has remained eager to assist in any way they can. As to whether garbage collection could become fully privatized in the future, "it's a matter that we will discuss at cabinet," Dorsett said.
Last month, Guardian Business reported that major waste companies in New Providence have officially formed a coalition with the intent of privatizing the capital landfill. Stakeholders insist it violates a number of health code rules and provides an inefficient service.
Ginny McKinney, the managing director at Wastenot, said that she is sympathetic for those working in the waste management sector, both public and private, as it is a very taxing profession.
However, she believes privatizing garbage collection would benefit all Bahamians.
"A private company will be outfitted with the necessary tools. Money will be invested to ensure that the trucks are up and running. If they are not, there must be a replacement," McKinney noted. "That's what privatization is, better service for a fixed rate and we, the people, benefit. I think we have to move away from feeling the government has to provide these services. Incorporating a private service is a win-win situation for all."
McKinney noted a new garbage truck could cost $250,000.
"They are highly computerized. New trucks are extremely pricy. It requires your personnel to be trained to deal with the equipment, creating quite a learning curve in some cases. A private company will bring in professionals to train staff on how to use it. It's a very expensive business to be in," she added.
Dorsett also confirmed his work is being done to get six additional trucks back on road, bringing the fleet to 18. The remaining four won't be fully functional without bearing significant costs.

Dorsett continued: "We want to make sure that the Department of Environmental Health Services, along with private companies, are able to carry us through this season. Thereafter, we will make the determination as to the best way forward."

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