Charlestown-Nevis–In a recent interview on S.W.E.E.P (Solid Waste Environmental and Educational Program), hosted by the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), General Manager at the Authority, Mr. Andrew Hendrickson and Manager at the Nevis Water Department, Ms. Santonnya Mills, appealed to members of the general public, to pay the Solid Waste Management levy, which is an integral part of the water bills, on a monthly basis.
According to both executive officers, many persons are debating over whether or not the levy should be paid and some are actually insisting that they are only paying the amount required for water usage.
In light of the specific matter at hand, a LEVY was defined as a compulsory token fee, to be paid by all citizens and residents on the island, which will assist the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority in disposing and managing all of the waste materials generated on the island, in a safe and effective manner.
Mr. Hendrickson expounded on the enormous expenses incurred in operating the waste management system on the island.
Every day, four shifts go into operation, which means four trucks, in different areas of the island.
Each shift has two loaders and a driver referred to as the COLLECTION TEAM.
These teams work from Monday to Friday, with each area serviced at least twice per week and special arrangements are made for collection in certain areas, on Saturdays and Sundays.
One truck, in terms of operating costs, inclusive of wages, fuel, maintenance-oil change, and incidentals such as repairs, averages to about $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 per month.
The average cost of one tire for a truck is ranging from $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 and the average fuel bill for all of the trucks per month is approximately $23,000.00.
He noted that once persons produce waste, they are liable to pay the levy.
Ms. Mills took time out to explain that when some persons insist on just paying for their water when they come in to pay their water bills, they must note that the first $25.00 that is paid on their water bill, is actually going towards paying the levy.
The Solid Waste levy is actually $25.00 per month.
She pointed out that once an individual has an ACTIVE meter, he/she is liable to pay the levy.
That means that whatever balance is left owing, really belongs to paying for the water that was used for the month.
The two executive officers pointed out that if everybody on the island pays the required levy, it will certainly help the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority to do a more efficient job and manage the exorbitant costs of taking care of the waste generated on the island.