Regional Evaluation Municipal Solid Waste Management Services. Country Analytical Report, Antigua and Barbuda. Evaluation 2002

ABSTRACT

[Introduction] The process of collecting and developing the data required for the production of Evaluation 2002 for Antigua and Barbuda was carried out by a PAHO representative in conjunction with the General Manager and other personnel of the National Solid Waste Management Authority of Antigua and Barbuda. Assistance was given by the Operations Manager, the Disposal Manager, the Financial Officer and the Environmental Education Officer. The National Coordinating Committee established by NWSMA provided assistance in the review of the questionnaire and by critical review of the Country Analytical Report. The overall management of solid waste in Antigua and Barbuda is controlled by the National Solid Waste Management Authority with offices located near St. John's, Antigua. This is a statutory body established in 1999 by the Government under the Solid Waste Management Act (1995). Both landfills have a system of leachate collection and treatment. At the present time treatment is limited to biological oxidation in leachate holding ponds. Provision has been made for the recycle of leachate from the holding ponds back to the landfill, but this is intended more to increase the rate of biodegradation of the waste in the landfill than as treatment for the leachate. The solid waste management system in Antigua/Barbuda is a good example of a system which has apparently reached maturity and which suits the needs of the communities served more than adequately. There are numerous areas of obvious strength in the system and how it performs. Equally there are virtually no areas of significant weakness. A major strength is a high degree of public awareness and interest both in litter removal from the road system and in environmental matters generally. A public education system exists in the primary schools. The program is not a formal part of the curriculum but is conducted on an as requested basis. In addition, the NSWMA operates a public awareness campaign at the adult level. The latter campaign has resulted in a high level of public support as well as wide acceptance of the NSWMA.