BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ONCE again, the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) is on a drive to rid the island of derelict vehicles, but this time penalty will be instituted to those found culpable.
Speaking on radio Tuesday (Oct.22), the Collections Manager of SWMC, Ineta Lake, said that a large number of derelict vehicles were removed from the streets of St. Kitts, noting that the Corporation’s Litter Wardens have been actively patrolling the streets.
Lake explained that the Wardens have been issuing notices for the removal of derelict vehicles, and that those persons who were cited would have seven days in which to clear their vehicles or they would be removed by SWMC and taken to the dumpsite.
“Some vehicles may have notices that exceed the seven days, and if you notice that the seven days have expired and the vehicle has not been picked up, the onus is on you to bring your vehicle in,” she advised.
Lamenting on excuses given for vehicles to remain at various locations, Lake said that too often people would allow their vehicles to remain where they are in an effort for easy access to parts, and eventually rain for bushes to overtake them.
The removal exercise started back in 2018 to rid the island of derelict vehicles as part of an effort to ship scrap metal overseas.
In fact, the SWMC has engaged Enclaved Limited to carry out the crushing, compacting and shipping of the scrap metal.
It is understood that the company has shipped several million pounds out of St. Kitts.
“All the derelict vehicles, we bring them to the landfill. They are compacted and placed in 40-feet containers and they are shipped out,” General Manager of SWMC, Keithley Phillip was quoted as saying by the Corporation.
SWMC has on numerous occasions cited derelict vehicles as being the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which could spread various diseases.
Those who fail to adhere to the request can face a penalty ranging from EC$500 to EC$20,000.
