The Government of Dominica has strengthened the island’s waste management capacity with the handover of four new compactor trucks, prompting Environment Minister Cozier Frederick to call for a national shift in how citizens handle waste. The new trucks form part of an ongoing strategy to improve sanitation services and support community health across all districts.
Minister Frederick said the vehicles will significantly improve the nationwide collection schedule, but warned that equipment alone will not solve the country’s waste issues. She emphasized the need for a cultural change in how waste is sorted, stored, and disposed of at the household and community levels.
The Minister highlighted persistent challenges such as illegal dumping, poor waste separation, and the improper use of community bins, urging residents to partner with the Solid Waste Management Corporation to ensure cleaner surroundings. She stressed that the government’s investment must be matched by public responsibility if Dominica is to achieve higher standards of sanitation and environmental protection.
The compactor trucks, valued at $1.1 million, are expected to ease the pressure on existing equipment and stabilize collection routes that have faced disruptions due to mechanical failures. Additional waste management equipment is expected to arrive later this year, further strengthening capacity.
Minister Frederick reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving waste services, but noted that long-term success hinges on public cooperation, proper waste sorting, and an end to indiscriminate dumping.
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