This opening holds a special significance for the Authority, as it enters its 40th year of service to this country. The Authority’s mission is to create and sustain a clean environment aimed at improving the health and welfare of all Barbadians.
Government thanks the City depot staff for their hard work over the years operating under limited circumstances. Now that better facilities are available we know that you will continue to give good service. It is a joy to see how clean Bridgetown is kept by SSA workers from as early as 3:00 am. and stays clean until 7:00 am - but it is sad to see how dirty the City gets by 8:00 am, Barbadians need to be more considerate and keep Bridgetown tidy.
The public must also do their part to assist staff of the Authority in keeping Barbados clean. Barbados is our home and we should all take care of it for ourselves and visitors alike.
As most of the world experiences downturns in their economies, it is even more important for us to preserve the beauty of our island and keep it clean so that it remains a popular destination for visitors who seek a respite from hard times.
This depot is a part of our Government’s effort to ensure the workers of Bridgetown have pleasant and modern surroundings from which to operate.
Looking back momentarily… The City Depot was once housed at Temple Yard, where the Old Town Hall Centre is now located. The depot was then temporarily located to the old St Mary’s School. We want to thank the Anglican Church for renting us that location.
After years of seeking a permanent location one was found right here at Reed Street.
In 1997 a decision was made to construct a new depot and Kero Construction was awarded the contract to build this complex.
Having a depot located in Bridgetown is key to keeping the City clean. It allows push-carters to have easier access both to the streets and their headquarters.
The workers operate from here, and they are responsible for washing the streets and cleaning the drains of the City. It should also be noted Bridgetown has 13 collections per week - Monday to Saturday twice a day as well as on Sunday mornings.
This site was previously a bath which was operated by the Authority. This complex has all the latest amenities. We want those who will use the public bath to take very good care of it bearing in mind that any repairs will cost the taxpayer, and this means all of us. The City Depot and Public Bath is also showing the way forward in proper environmental practices by reusing the rainwater from the roof. Rainwater is stored in a reservoir at the rear of the compound and pumped out to wash down the dumpers and other vehicles at Reed Street.
Collecting and disposing of refuse is not just the job of a Sanitation worker. It is everyone cooperating together!
All City businesses need to remember they must flatten their boxes and bind them into bundles before disposal; alleyways need to be kept clear for the Authority’s vehicles and emergency vehicles such as Fire and Police to have easy access when they need to reach trouble spots in a hurry.
Broken glass should be wrapped in newspaper then bagged and placed in the middle of a refuse bag before disposal.
The SSA is concerned with finding adequate locations for stationary compactors, skips and bins within the City. We would like to work together with all interested parties in finding locations.
Over the last year, This Democratic Labour Party administration has provided more affordable housing for many Barbadians. This has led to more houses and developments across the island. As a result the Authority is constantly refining its collection routes. The Authority is working with all relevant Government agencies to maximise on the old routes and streamline new areas to ensure everyone gets two collections per week, although the statutory requirements are one (1) collection per week.
In an effort to improve its service the Authority is undertaking a number of initiatives:-
The public bath at Speightstown is under renovation and is expected to be completed soon;
The baths at Green Park Lane and King William Street will be demolished and new ones will be constructed during the next financial year.
Re-training mechanics in fleet management systems;
Ensuring that the roof of the Mechanical Workshop is repaired in this financial year;
The refurbishment of cemeteries as part of heritage tourism in 2009-2010. This will also include repairs to the chapels at all five national cemeteries and horticulture training for staff.
Conducting a survey of the current collection routes in an effort to improve collections;
Acquisition of open-backed trucks to develop a regularised Bulky Waste collection.
On the topic of bulk waste, the Sanitation Service Authority in conjunction with other government agencies and the private sector will continue its bulk collections in every parish.
Government remains committed to the proper management of Solid Waste practices with modern technology for the collection and disposal of waste. The Government of David Thompson is also examining waste to energy and waste diversion options.
The Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage also intends to create legislation to prosecute anyone caught littering. Illegal dumping must be stamped out once and for all.
Government also intends to procure new equipment for the Authority and to improve its human resources.
