Date: 4/1/07
Author: KIMONE THOMPSON
Source: Jamiaca Observer

THE Riverton City landfill site in Kingston is soon to be equipped with high-tech security features, including solar-powered lights and security cameras, sources told the Observer.

Our sources said Local Government Minister Dean Peart called for an "immediate" installation of the equipment following two fires at the landfill, believed to have been the work of arsonists. The fire belched out huge amounts of noxious fumes over areas of Kingston and St Catherine for almost two weeks.

Minister Peart, who confirmed the security plans for the city dump, said they were part of a wider plan to ensure the efficiency and security of the landfill.
"We are looking at equipment, water, security, all of that," he told Observer, while suggesting that the property, measuring in excess of 60 acres, was too expansive to consider fencing.

"We think it is important to look at who comes in and who goes out," he said, making reference to the slaying of popular Mandeville couple Richard and Julia Lyn, whose decomposed remains were found at the Martin's Hill landfill in that town on December 30 last year.

The Riverton landfill is located on Spanish Town Road with the community of Riverton Meadows almost encircling it. Although a sign at its entrance prohibits unauthorised entry, persons from Riverton Meadows and other surrounding communities often go scavenging in the garbage.

In the meantime, director of landfill development at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Rachel Allen, told the Observer that two weeks prior to the discovery of the Lyns the agency was exploring the possibility of erecting perimeter fencing and constructing site offices at the island's four landfills but the high cost involved, especially where the fence was concerned, caused a setback.

She declined to give a quotation but said that tenders have been invited for the site offices and that research into the procurement of the lights and cameras was ongoing.
"We have about a month to source them and get into a contract," Allen told the Observer.

Several things, she added, needed to be done at the landfills, but said there were no provisions made in the current budget.
"We're happy that the minister has added his voice to our (cause) because now we can lobby and get the money we need to do what we need to do," she said.

thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.com

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