Director of Waste Management, Mr. Marcus Solomon has said that his department has received the incinerator’s transfer arms as it makes steady strides in bringing the facility at Pockwood Pond back online.

Mr. Solomon explained that the department is expecting the arrival of the control panel and two more pieces of equipment. He said works will begin to remove the roof of the structure housing the incinerator when the full complement of equipment is on island, followed by the changing of the parts and the testing of the incinerator’s electrical system to ensure the facility is operable.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley said that fail-safe measures are in place in the event that the system fails.

Honourable Wheatley said, “The Ministry is currently working on a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a brand new plant and waste strategy. So irrespective of if this works or not, we are moving forward with a brand new strategy for waste in the Virgin Islands.”

Honourable Wheatley added, “What is currently happening here is not sustainable and we have to move away from this as quickly as possible.  That proposal should be out to the public before the end of the month.”

Meanwhile, residents are reminded to do their part to keep the Virgin Islands clean and green. Mr. Solomon said the community should reduce consumption, re-use, re-purpose and recycle where possible.  He added that his department is exporting derelict vehicles and scrap metals to countries and efforts are also being made to export waste oil and materials.The public is also asked to refrain from putting flares, gas tanks, empty AC gas canisters and other flammable and combustible items into the garbage stream.  Persons are asked to contact the Department of Waste Management at 468-4934 for special instructions on how to dispose these types of materials.

The Department of Waste Management is committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of the Territory is enhanced by utilising state of the art waste management technology to ensure timely collection disposal, and where possible, the recycling of waste.