fp Turks and Caicos

The issue of garbage has been one that has raised many angry eyebrows around the country. At this week’s Consultative Forum meeting, Permanent Secretary of Finance Delton Jones presented the forum with a solution to the problem as well as the financial impacts, both of which forum members approved in concept.

Through the new system, residents will enjoy a clean, efficient nationwide garbage collection as well as the closure and clean up of all existing landfills and a safe, single new national landfill waste disposal system. While the news will be applauded by most, the new system will come at a cost. Jones presented the forum with the proposed new fees that will be collected to cover the costs of the new countrywide waste management program.

He suggested a mandatory per month residential collection and disposal fee of $20-30 per household and a disposal fee starting at $125 for local businesses.

While Jones assured members the government will continue to work to keep the number as low as possible, he added, “We have to understand we have to pay for quality service.”

As to how the new fee will be collected, Jones suggested a potential new environmental levy or as a fee which could be attached to current utilities, but most likely a combination will prove to be most feasible. Jones said the government is looking to make the application of the costs as fair as possible, investigating ways those who use the most waste would pay the highest user fees.

Examples given by Jones included introducing a small environmental levy to guarantee disposal of cars and other non-biodegradables such as plastics and tyres at the point of import. Another suggestion is a small charge to encourage collection and recycling programs. However, both would not be the main cost recovery means, which Jones suggest might be the fees which would be collected as part of residents’ utilities bills.

“No doubt there may be other cost recovery means that can be considered,” he said, and he is open to suggestions from the forum and the public.

The primary concern is that the fees are easy to collect on a steady and predictable basis and compliment other reforms being implemented by the government.

“Without a guaranteed source of income, it would not be prudent for the government to enter into contractual obligations for the new solid waste system. If this were not the case, the status quo ante would remain,” Jones commented. The status quo would be the unsightly dump, the burning of waste, environmental hazards and major delays in local refuse pick up.

Several forum members, including Sharlene Robinson, spoke out in favor of the program, as well as giving it their endorsement. While Robinson raised some concerns especially with regard to ensuring collection of the fees, she also noted several things which positively stood out to her after reviewing the proposal, including the vast experience of TCEM in various parts of the world. “I think we ought to go with someone with a wealth of experience who has a proven track record with a proven system that works,” she said.

She also pointed out the positives of uniform storage/garbage bins and the intention to close environmentally unfriendly waste sites on family islands as well as the intention to revegetate those properties.

She was also pleased to learn the company has committed to providing $20,000 in scholarships each year, with preference given to those students interested in environmental studies.

“I wholeheartedly support us moving ahead, yes I am endorsing the implementation of a garbage fee... people need to understand that if we are going to be a tourist destination, people are coming here against all odds … they don’t need to be met by garbage on the streets or stored on our properties. This is something we should be willing to pay for, “ she said.