Jamaican News

Gov’t Far Advanced in Identifying Waste to energy Solution

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that the government will embark on a programme aimed at transforming the collection and management of garbage before the end of this year.

Mr Holness was speaking at the LASCO Releaf Environmental Awareness Programme (REAP) Awards Ceremony today (June 7) at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.

The prime minister announced that the government is far advanced in examining options for Waste to energy solutions.

“The government has commissioned an enterprise team to look at waste disposal in Jamaica, from a national strategic perspective. How can we improve waste collection, solid waste collection, and solid waste management and importantly to look at the options for waste to energy”, said Mr Holness.

According to Mr Holness protecting the environment is paramount for the government.

He said that all Jamaicans must be responsible when disposing garbage, as improper disposal of plastic bottles does not only destroy our pristine environment but also pose a threat to our infrastructure.

“Recently we saw some of the adverse effects of not doing so and especially now as the hurricane season approaches, we must take greater care and responsibility for how we treat our environment and our environs,” stated Mr Holness.

Mr Holness stated that the LASCO REAP initiative will add to the national effort in managing waste disposal and protecting the environment.

“In order for Jamaica to obtain sustainable growth, we must embed the right mind-set in our children for protecting our environment for future generations. It is not merely a challenge for the education system, it is a challenge for all Jamaicans. Our actions have a direct impact on our environment. It also has a direct impact on our safety and security especially when it comes to severe weather events. We all must be responsible,” explained the prime minister.

Since the start of the project in October 2012, 15,000 trees have been planted and 2 Million plastic bottles collected across the island.

Article by: The Office of the Prime Minister
Photo from: www.jis.gov.jm

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *