Opposition Senator Wilfred Abrahams today rubbished Government’s plan to clear garbage pile-ups across the island, while renewing his call for Minister of the Environment and Drainage Dr Denis Lowe to step down.
The minister announced Monday that his ministry had reactivated emergency response teams, which included the Ministry of Transport and Works, the National Conservation Commission and the Drainage Division to assist with the collection of refuse.
But Abrahams, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Shadow Minister for the Environment, had raised strong objections to the move, insisting that Lowe should never have to resort to an emergency plan to deal with the current situation.
“We object to this new measure. We object because it reflects poor planning, it reflects badly on the workers of the SSA [Sanitation Service Authority] as it paints them as being lazy and inefficient,” Abrahams said in a letter to Barbados TODAY.
The Opposition senator further charged that given recent decisions by the minister, including the renting of “tractors to the tune of 23 thousand dollars per week and tens of thousands of dollars for servicing of SSA vehicles”, questions had to be raised regarding “the beneficiary of the largess” of the emergency plan, as well as which companies would not have to bid for contracts for “helping the SSA out”.
The senator was adamant that Lowe, who admitted yesterday there was a shortage of vehicles to collect garbage, “should have purchased the new trucks years ago”, describing as “nonsense” the minister’s claim that the process of purchasing was protracted.
Abrahams, who charged a week ago that 15 new garbage trucks were in the island as part of a planned outsourcing of the services provided by the state-run SSA, appeared not willing to accept Lowe’s denial that a new fleet of vehicles which is reportedly in the Bridgetown Port did not belong to the authority.
“Lo and behold, 15 new trucks are in the Port with seemingly no one knowing to whom they belong, but looking very much like they have arrived just in time to help with a problem – in fact they would be ready to help in an ‘emergency plan,’” he wrote.
The BLP spokesman added that Lowe was now “ well placed to resign his ministry”, insisting the island could not afford the minister’s “incompetence”.
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The garbage situation in Bim is the result of our citizens and even some visitors who dispose of their refuse inappropriately. The public seem to think the stink belongs to the minister alone. So sad, but it does not. We claim to be going green yet some of us refuse to sort our garbage. It does not matter if you want the money; just sort the stuff and I am certain it will be removed. I also believe that every household should have a bin. Stop placing bags outside that will attract vermin and create a stench which eventually draws dogs, cats, yardfowls, etc. These bags are then pulled apart and that is how the untidiness occurs. The SSA can then have separate days for the sorted plastics, cardboard, etc using open-backed trucks. As to whether there are new trucks in the port; I don't know. The SSA has an ageing fleet and it is inadequate with several breakdowns along the way. I would want to know if the trucks are being serviced regularly or is it the same old mash up and buy back strategy of both administrations. Or is it that what is compacted that leads to the destruction of the vehicles? What I would ultimately like to see happening is that all ministers take a more authoritarian stance if it is necessary; instead of this blame game which is getting this country of ours nowhere in a hurry. Firstly by education and leading by example where the different arms of government know where they fit in the puzzle. Next give the general public a chance to do what they should, then maybe a fine. But for sure blaming and cajoling will not work forever. The only ones who are going to reap the whirlwind are us Bajans who live here as the visitors will eventually return home. That is my opinion.
The garbage situation in Bim is the result of our citizens and even some visitors who dispose of their refuse inappropriately. The public seem to think the stink belongs to the minister alone. So sad, but it does not. We claim to be going green yet some of us refuse to sort our garbage. It does not matter if you want the money; just sort the stuff and I am certain it will be removed. I also believe that every household should have a bin. Stop placing bags outside that will attract vermin and create a stench which eventually draws dogs, cats, yardfowls, etc. These bags are then pulled apart and that is how the untidiness occurs. The SSA can then have separate days for the sorted plastics, cardboard, etc using open-backed trucks. As to whether there are new trucks in the port; I don't know. The SSA has an ageing fleet and it is inadequate with several breakdowns along the way. I would want to know if the trucks are being serviced regularly or is it the same old mash up and buy back strategy of both administrations. Or is it that what is compacted that leads to the destruction of the vehicles? What I would ultimately like to see happening is that all ministers take a more authoritarian stance if it is necessary; instead of this blame game which is getting this country of ours nowhere in a hurry. Firstly by education and leading by example where the different arms of government know where they fit in the puzzle. Next give the general public a chance to do what they should, then maybe a fine. But for sure blaming and cajoling will not work forever. The only ones who are going to reap the whirlwind are us Bajans who live here as the visitors will eventually return home. That is my opinion.
@ Bajan ..man you is a real real boy. Look I have critisized Lowe when he wants critisizing,but he has done NOTHING WRONG this time and I agree with him .
The garbage pileup musse blinding you to the fact that the SSA needs assistance.
How come you feel that I have partaken in the fatted calf when people like CCC would say that I like honey.? I have critisized both DEM and the BEES,but I can tell you that I am not one ah DEM.
@ Bajan ..man you is a real real boy. Look I have critisized Lowe when he wants critisizing,but he has done NOTHING WRONG this time and I agree with him .
The garbage pileup musse blinding you to the fact that the SSA needs assistance.
How come you feel that I have partaken in the fatted calf when people like CCC would say that I like honey.? I have critisized both DEM and the BEES,but I can tell you that I am not one ah DEM.
Lowe said in parliament that he got his Ph.D. From God's Bible School and College,but a search on the internet shows nowhere that GBS offers a doctoral program.
Lowe said in parliament that he got his Ph.D. From God's Bible School and College,but a search on the internet shows nowhere that GBS offers a doctoral program.
true bajan boy, true true, so long some people getting through they don't care about no one else, like these 16+ nasty scumbags, but what goes up must come down, people out there suffering be on measure, and it means nothing to dem...de clock is ticking away
true bajan boy, true true, so long some people getting through they don't care about no one else, like these 16+ nasty scumbags, but what goes up must come down, people out there suffering be on measure, and it means nothing to dem...de clock is ticking away
i also wonder where de money gone for de structure that was building above shop hill to house de ssa workers? just 1st floor steel sticking out, and crane just there,......who owns that crane? if not gov'ment and its privately own......is the person(s) still collecting rent?
i also wonder where de money gone for de structure that was building above shop hill to house de ssa workers? just 1st floor steel sticking out, and crane just there,......who owns that crane? if not gov'ment and its privately own......is the person(s) still collecting rent?