In a familiar plea, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney called on the government to clarify the terms of agreement between itself and environmental company Renew Bahamas, months after the company took over the New Providence Landfill.
In the wake of the long standing issue of consistent dump fires and fumes emanating from the site, Mr. McCartney maintained that Renew Bahamas’ plan for landfill remediation does not go far enough in addressing the issues, months after the company promised a full- scale remediation programme.
“While we are happy to have the support of the company in our efforts to encourage the proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste and agree that discouraging indiscriminate dumping is important; it is equally important, that both Renew Bahamas and the Government live up to their promise of providing real remediation at the city dump. Is that not what the company was hired to do,” Mr. McCartney asked.
“Company representatives previously confirmed to the DNA that their contract with the government included not only a recycling component but also remediation, sanitation and fire suppression; the question is have they fulfilled those obligations? The answer to this is NO,” he continued.
The DNA leader reiterated that Bahamians have the right to know if Renew Bahamas is in fact honoring its commitment.
In a recent statement, Renew Bahamas noted that the landfill has been free of the fires which often nag area residents.
However, Mr. McCartney said “the fact that company executives seem to want a pat on the back for a three month reprieve from fires on or near the landfill site is absolutely insane considering that area residents have been dealing with this issue for years”.
“If and when the company is ready to discuss their plans for remediation and provide a detailed plan of action and timeline on when affected residents can begin to experience long term relief from the issues affecting their communities as a result of the landfill, the DNA will gladly make itself available for a meeting at which time we would be happy to discuss the party’s plans to transform the landfill into a world class waste to energy facility,” Mr. McCartney said.
“What we want is consistency. What we want is transparency. What we demand is action,” he added.
