Salary hike for NSWMA sidemen
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Sidemen employed to the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will receive a 28 percent increase in their salaries come July 1.
The announcement was made by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie during his 2019/2020 Sectoral Presentation in the House of Representatives on May 28.
“With regard to its core responsibilities, the NSWMA collected nearly 700 thousand tonnes of solid waste, or over 70 of the total solid waste generated islandwide,” he stated.
“Adherence to the collection schedule of once per week in the last financial year was nearly 80%, and compliance with the sweeping schedule for major roadways and town centres was almost 90%.”
Minister McKenzie explained that the main reasons for this improved performance are the procurement and introduction of new collection units and systematic repairs to dysfunctional units – 15 of which have been restored.
Since 2016, the NSWMA has acquired 43 new units – the last 12 of which were handed over in February of this year. The entity is also in the process of finalizing a lease arrangement for 100 collection units for the current financial year.
“The National Solid Waste Management Authority continues to be a positive example of Government in action. The Agency continues to practice sound corporate governance with all outstanding audited financial statements and annual reports being updated,” added the Minister.
“The Agency is also 70% compliant with current statutory requirements and life insurance, and nearly 80% of all disposal site workers, sidemen and drivers have been vaccinated.”
The NSWMA is also on track to submit its 2018/2019 audited financial statements and the corresponding annual report within the timeline required by the Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act.
