LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Proper Garbage collection in Dominica

letter to the editorDear Editor

Proper garbage collection must be given a second look in our Nature Isle. The way garbage is collected in Dominica leaves a lot of unanswered questions. First, the collection is sporadic/unscheduled and non guaranteed. Government is spending money asking citizens/residents to keep their surroundings clean, safe guarding against rat born(e) disease. Yet garbage collection continues to stay by the roads of our beautiful Dominica for weeks before collection takes place, yet when the collection is done – it makes you wonder. There comes an open truck – the guys try to full it up as much as possible and when they do so, many times you find garbage falling from the truck as they journey to the dump.

Speaking to the guys collecting the garbage – it seems that there are financial problems. They  are not pleased with their financial compensation, the company is not receiving payment from Government or at least not in a timely fashion. Something needs to be done to ensure that garbage collection in the Nature Isle is done promptly and correctly and that those doing this dirty job are satisfied with the compensation.

There is an environmental fee charged of EC$3000 on vehicles coming to the island. I would like to suggest a fee of EC$10 be added to utility bills for garbage collection.

This issue is not a political one – it is one for the good of Dominica

Sincerely

A concerned citizen

Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of DNO or its advertisers.

This photo of garbage collection on Friday morning, (June 28), in Castle Bruce, was submitted by the writer.

Garbage collection in CBruce

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51 Comments

  1. Piper
    December 15, 2015

    :) 8) :roll: 8-O :!:

  2. trishna prasad
    July 28, 2015

    :lol: 8) :roll:

  3. Anonymous
    August 17, 2014

    gago

  4. September 3, 2013

    8) :-D :-D :-D :-D :-? :lol:

  5. Anthony P. Ismael
    July 1, 2013

    I was shocked last year when I saw this open truck collecting garbage in Roseau. It’s mind-boggling that we do not have an enclosed truck in 2013 designed specifically for garbage collection.
    Then again, it’s Dominica. Unfortunately, while the government brags about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, the cart is once again before the horse with “Open-truck garbage collection.”

  6. Anonymous
    July 1, 2013

    kidding me shame

  7. AGREE
    July 1, 2013

    i gree with the concerned citizen as long as he/she is paying my ten for me

  8. Malgraysa
    July 1, 2013

    If you really want to chuckle and shake your head put this picture next to one of the new State Palace. Both have to do with the public image of Dominica
    You think we got our basics right in this upside-down, back-to-front country??

  9. June 30, 2013

    The ugly truth is that Dominica is BROKE! Covered in mounting debt and don’t know how to fix it. May I suggest legalizing gay marriage and making Dominica a premier destination for gay cruises? The potential to generate much-needed income is vast. Gay men like myself would encourage that option 100%!!!

    • thinkinman
      July 1, 2013

      your proposal is pure garbage..suitable to the story title though..however stop trying to slide your trash in as the solution to our problems.. bulling isnt the answer..

  10. DOn't Edit!!!
    June 30, 2013

    Any fees added on those things don’t go to Environment or for garbage collection. It goes straight to the damn pockets of politicians. Just like the offerings at a church. Wake up foolish people!

  11. Anonymous
    June 30, 2013

    i think is fig castle bruce people carrying there wi boy lol :mrgreen:

  12. OhFather
    June 30, 2013

    This is terribly backward and unacceptable. Especially in our much talked about ‘ Nature Isle.’ Sometimes I have also seen a similar truck in a little better condition collecting garbage to be recycled in another area, so it begs the question: are we really planning/do the officials with that responsibility have a strategy to dispose of garbage effectively and efficiently?

    This is 2013. For goodness sake! We should have proper trucks/equipment to collect our garbage. Also It should be mandatory that EVERY HOUSEHOLD on the island should have a garbage bin, no matter where you live. Putting plastic bags by the roads MUST STOP! People we can’t expect Solid waste to buy a garbage bin for everybody’s garbage. Come on. We should also pay our rates. I also agree that there should be at least 2 land fills on island. One is not enough. The current one is not in a good location.. too close to residential properties.
    I have a bin (I paid for) and a plastic crate/container (provided by DSWMC) for items to be recycled. The pick up is normally regular twice weekly. The weak area is the garbage Trucks. They should be in a better condition, so money must be spent for the purpose it is collected (on equipment. etc). Important also, are the workers who must who must be trained properly as some of them, note ‘some’ rough handle your bin and destroy them sometimes and leave the bin wide open deliberately. I think that being a garbage collector is a job like any other and the collector needs to handle the customer’s property carefully. Generally, while there are some good areas, there is big room for improvement.

    Another option is a private company to handle waste management which would most likely result in higher rates, but perhaps the current fees would have to be reduced.

    • Malgraysa
      July 1, 2013

      I have news for you. This IS a private contractor!

      • Anthony P. Ismael
        July 1, 2013

        So pass legislation and provide duty-free incentives for such companies to use proper vehicles designed specifically for garbage collection.

  13. Frank Talker
    June 30, 2013

    EC$10 to be added to utility bills? Never!! There is already a levy of 1.5% added to shipping invoices on all cargo entering the country and this was introduced to fund the current landfill and to manage solid waste disposal. Sadly, this money is not passed on to the solid waste company.
    To me, the solid waste company is the main culprit in the garbage mess on island. When a vehicle picks up waste, say in Newtown, it drips stinky polluted water all the way to the Fond Cole landfill and the stench stays lingering in the air for at least an hour. Isn’t this a shame on a company which is a critical stakeholder in the campaign to keep Dominica the Nature Isle of the World? I see pedestrians covering their nose whenever a garbage truck passes because they know a stench is going to be lingering for a long time. Shame on the DSWMC.

  14. Malgraysa
    June 30, 2013

    What happened to all those famous garbage bins the Govt. imported at great expense??

  15. Jay
    June 30, 2013

    Well our own Minister, Hon. Julius Timothy said we are a third-world country and this picture confirms that.

    PS. Is that truck even roadworthy? I don’t see a license plate.

    • John Paul
      June 30, 2013

      check the eye doctor

  16. SLU
    June 30, 2013

    Seriously, we have multiple garbage trucks in St.Lucia to lend Dominica. This is just insane.
    Come on Dominica, you can do better than this.
    smh.

    • John Paul
      June 30, 2013

      You have multiple amounts of Garbage too You needall Your Trucks!

  17. Rubbish man
    June 30, 2013

    That truck should make a one way trip to the dump.

    Lacatoon ! kaka hole a sec ! for those who remember the rubbish man in Roseau in the 60’s.

  18. Hey
    June 29, 2013

    Do we pay an environmental levy at some point? need to know.

    • Malatete
      July 1, 2013

      We certainly do. Imports are subject to a 1% or 1.5% environmental tax(depending on the items imported) and every time visitors leaves the island (either by ship or plane) they are subject to and environmental levy in addition to the standard departure tax,(shown together on the same receipt). Also, visiting yachts must pay an environmental tax of E.C.$.4.00, per person, upon arrival. I don’t know if all this revenue is used specifically for the protection of the environment but my guess is that it goes into a general pot.

  19. IamHis
    June 29, 2013

    Wow, wow,wow, Dangerous. We are trying but we need to get a better truck. I saw them when I visited twice in the last 2 years and I’m afraid that the guys may get hurt. They really pile it up too high. I must say that it is very innovative though.

  20. Anonymous
    June 29, 2013

    i think DSMC is trying. at least in some areas collection is regular and on time. but better and more must and can be done

  21. beholder
    June 29, 2013

    I suggest the government wave the vehicle importation fee and help subsidize the purchase of enclosed hydraulic compacting trucks. They are more sanitary and can haul more on a single trip so they are more fuel efficient.

  22. June 29, 2013

    I agree there needs to be a more organized method to manage garbage and some form of incentive for the sanitary staff. However, to further tax the already struggling and low income working class is totally unconscionable.

  23. u crazy man
    June 29, 2013

    People are already struggling to make ends meet, u are suggesting adding a $10.00 to utility bills? May I suggest that if indeed government needs a $10.00 it should be taken of money (tax payers own) that are being given to too many lazy child bearing parents every damn month!And not added to any bill!

  24. Proud DA person
    June 29, 2013

    I take the pleasure in advertising my nature isle. There are times when I am apologetic to my family, who are from the US and are visiting the island. The flith, foulness and stench of the garbage seating on the major road way take away some of the breathtaking ambiance . Scotts Head is a major tourist attraction and historic site, but I am bewildered of the close proximity of the garbage disposal site. Not only the closeness to that historic site, but the venue is also used as latrine. Politics isn’t involved, it is irrelevant. I don’t care which party is in power. TO THE AUTHORITIES: Proper pickup and disposal of GARBAGE (rubbish) 1. prevents outbreak of typhoid, and dengue fever. 2. minimizes the risk and spread of infectious diseases.3 the site becomes a breading area for bugs rodents etc. 4. Help provide a pleasing atmosphere. 5. Attracts fewer insects and does attract animals. It also reduces the likelihood of microorganisms. There are so many other factors relating to cleanliness, but in all the sanitation problem in our nature isle, is of out most urgency. Don’t forget the stray dogs who utilizes the garbage for their meals.
    Dominica isn’t capable of handling an epidemic.
    I will miss my independence and carnival celebration.

    • dafriend
      June 29, 2013

      Not only Scotts Head. The entire North from Bense to Woodford Hill is covered in garbage. No collection for over 3 weeks now. The rats are increasing by the day. It’s disgusting. The roads in that area are the same. Littered with deep holes. That government does not care about the area. But let them come and bag for votes in a few month!

  25. Well well
    June 29, 2013

    I think that something needs to be done but I disagree with the suggestion that you gave to resolve the problem

  26. SLU
    June 29, 2013

    Wow this can’t be true?
    Are there no proper garbage trucks in Dominica?

    • Yes
      June 30, 2013

      I see them in Jimmit, but their pick-up times/days are not always on schedule and they throw the barrels down in the middle of the road so transports can’t pass. You have to get out and pick up the barrels!

  27. Anonymous
    June 29, 2013

    This is correct and should be seriously considered by the proper authorities-both local and central.

  28. Clean DA
    June 29, 2013

    :lol:This is funny. There is a fee paid in the Roseau and surrounding areas. which is collected by agents working for solid waste. It is a commission only wage 15% of what is collected after 15%vat is removed. Places where the Bin men can get to outside homes the fee is EC$20+$3vat. Some elderly pay half. where it is collected in a heap the residents pay $11.50. Some residents will go to solid waste office to paid some who can afford will not pay, and some just pay don’t have money to pay.. maybe adding onto the water bill.
    Solid waste needs to to find a way of collecting this money and giving a better service. The big garbage truck are sometimes on the road without lights this is dangerous it is crazy.. :mrgreen:

  29. Environmental love
    June 29, 2013

    Does the writter know the following?
    On every dollar earned, 35% goes back to the government as income tax,15% goes back to the government as V.A.T., 1.5% goes back to the government as environment levy tax,making a grand total of 51.5% or 51.5 cents to every dollar going back to government. On the remaining balance of 48.5 cents, if one is a property owner, house tax, and land tax,has to also be paid to the city council, or village council. Paying an additional amount of $10.00 on every monthly utility bill, as the writter suggests is therefore certainly unreasonable!

    With regards to the environment, and in particular, garbage collection, does the writter know the following:
    1. $10.00 is charged on purchase of all battries as payment for its disposal at the end of its useful life?
    2. An environmental tax is included to all white goods on purchase for their disposal at the end of their useful life?
    3. An environmental tax is included on all new tyres on purchase for their disposal at the end of their useful life?
    4. An environmental tax is included on purchase of all motor vehicles for their disposal at the end of their useful life?
    5. That an environmental tax is included on purchase of all food items, household items on purchase for payment on disposal at the end of their use? In order words writter, even before you eat or cook in your kitchen, you have paid for the disposal of your waste,unwanted items, and garbage.

    Is the writter aware that even after all these indirect taxes, and payments have been paid by us consumers, for the disposal of garbabe, the solid waste still collects payments for all garbage that is exported from Dominica?

    May I suggest to the writter, to find out what the yearly cost is to Solid Waste for maintaining the environment, vis a vie, the total amount collected yearly as envirnoment taxes by the government, and intrestingly, how much of the taxes collected that are actually passed over to solid waste.
    THEN THE WRITTER MAY INFORM US AS TO WHERE THE BALANCE GOES.

    This issue is not a political one – it is one for the good of Dominica

    • Jay
      June 29, 2013

      And you are not even mentioning import duty, excise, road tax (vehicle license), driving license renewal fee (other countries, like the U.K. have a much longer validity period),passport fee and I’m sure there are others. We have to start thinking of reducing Govt. spending. Too many people depending on Govt. jobs, which produce little and are a drain on the national income. The result: cost of living is sky high. Only today I was asked to pay $15 for a pound of fish at Roseau fish market. I refused, let them keep their fish which may be refrozen anyway.

    • MasterMind
      June 30, 2013

      Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! These are the kinds of comments that educate the population, well the reading population in other for us to make wise decisions.

      It is rather interesting that we pay all these taxes for waste and yet still waste is such a menace to our beloved society; The Nature Isle of the Caribbean.

    • villas on top donkey
      June 30, 2013

      Neiyi ho neiyi ho. Your facts are well laid out.
      So true.

  30. Tumble, back kick
    June 29, 2013

    By the time that truck reaches the dump half of the rubbish will be blown away.

  31. Anonymous
    June 29, 2013

    That’s the wrong type of truck to be collecting garbage…slabs of board have to be leaned against its borders to help keep the garbage in. The gov’t should invest in proper garbage disposal trucks such as those used in NYC, in which the garbage is not visible and it is compressed by the truck as soon as it is put into the catchment area.

  32. fil
    June 29, 2013

    This is a garbage truck? Someone has to look into it very seriously. The garbage collection will leave a mess all over the place.

  33. My ting dat
    June 29, 2013

    Ec 10.00 on top of light? Ok I get it you’re only trying to help….but that’s not a good idea. The populace already suffers under these high costs electric bills. Good point though….garbage collection methods need to be overhauled just not by adding more cost to a citizenry already over the edge financially.

  34. hard core dcan
    June 29, 2013

    some one need to invest in a couple of garbage truck and make some money.

  35. Missing home
    June 29, 2013

    Really?that in itself is unsanitary and dangerous. Imagine you driving behind that and what can happen. That can be a big business if it is handled properly.

  36. Channel 1
    June 29, 2013

    An act which is in the running for “The most backward thing ever to be done in Dominica” was the closing down of the landfill in Pointe Round near Portsmouth.

    One really has to wonder how these ‘illuminated’ folks does think eh. They have these garbage trucks having to make all these lengthy, tedious trips to one landfill in Stockfarm now.

    – Didn’t somebody realize that the trucks would as a result break down quite frequently thereby increasing the operational expenses of the company?

    – Didn’t somebody realize that the country should have been divided in half when it comes to landfill allocation with the Stockfarm landfill handling rubbish from the lower half of Dominica and the Pointe Round landfill handling the upper half of Dominica….

    – Didn’t somebody realize that because of Dominica’s terrain, a garbage operation strategy used in a country with flatter topography than Dominica may not have necessarily worked in Dominica?

  37. Nature Spice
    June 29, 2013

    Concerned Citizen,
    There is already an environmental surcharge being collected by the government and is not being passed on to the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC).

    So if the government pass on the environmental surcharge that it is collected to the DSWMC, there would not be no need to add any extra monies to the utility bills for garbage collection and the DSWMC would be able to properly collect garbage around Dominica.

    Even though that is a good idea, the utility bills are already high and the average Dominican will not be able to afford the extra charge and more so, there is no guarantee that this government will pass on the monies to the DSWMC.

  38. T mama
    June 29, 2013

    I agree with the writer…and they should be equipped with brooms and spades, because rubbish stays on the ground….the men have said that they are not paid to sweep up…hmmmm, this has to be looked into…

  39. Plan Dominque
    June 29, 2013

    Wicked!! Too already high utility bills. I share your concern re unacceptable collection. Yet our Director of Audit is telling us that the Govt. has hardly touched the overdraft facility they approved and that the govt. is operating in the black. Yet all of the state institutions they are mandated to provide for cannot pay their employees. Not to mention poverty is rampant. And you tell me it is not politics. Think again my friend

    • Anonymous
      June 30, 2013

      what is realy going on i am from d/ca an i could remenber the day when goverment wase desposial worker useto do all the disposalespecialy in roseauand they use to do good jobs so i guest that by giveng contract to private company dosing work so let get back to what we use to do before

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