NSWMA says its committed to accountability amid audit exposing irregularities, notes final report pending

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is insisting that it is committed to accountability, transparency and serving the public interest, in light of an internal audit report that uncovered several irregularities in its hiring practices.

The audit, which was first reported in the Sunday Gleaner revealed the appointment of four senior directors who did not meet the minimum qualification requirements, but were earning a combined annual salary of $43 million.

In a statement today, Audley Gordon, executive director of the NSWMA said the state agency is dedicated to responsible stewardship, but also stressed its “duty to protect the privacy, employment records and personal data of its staff”.

“The audit process currently underway is not yet complete. Management is at the stage of formally responding to matters raised, which is a normal and necessary part of any internal audit exercise. Those responses will be assessed by the auditors and incorporated into the final report for submission to the Board,” he said.

He added that it would be “inappropriate and premature to make definitive pronouncements before the process is concluded”.

He stated that once the audit process is completed and the board has considered the final report, the NSWMA will speak on the findings and actions to be taken.

The audit, conducted between September and November 2025 with a draft report completed in January 2026, also exposed that three of the four regional operations managers – earning a combined $21 million – were serving in their positions without any documented evidence of qualifications.

Additionally, dozens of lower-level employees were found to be working in positions for which they were not qualified.

In one case, a director role requiring a postgraduate degree in engineering and offering a $13 million salary was filled by an employee with no academic qualifications.

Another position, which required a master’s degree and paid $9.4 million, was filled by someone with three Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects in 2024.

A third director post, which required a postgraduate degree in engineering or its equivalent, was held by a director with no academic credentials on record, despite a bachelor’s degree being listed on their résumé. The role carries a $10.3-million annual salary.

Gordon declared that the NSWMA respects all lawful oversight and review mechanisms. And that the agency welcomes recommendations that strengthen governance, improve systems and enhance public confidence.

The executive director was also quick to highlight institutional improvements made at the agency over the past decade, which he said includes the establishment of more than 3,800 previously unestablished posts, the transition of approximately 2,400 workers from contractual to permanent employment, provision of uniforms and safety gear for operational workers since 2017, and the introduction of pension arrangements for permanent employees in 2025.

"Our employees work hard every day under challenging circumstances to keep Jamaica clean. We remain focused on service delivery, continuous improvement and doing what is in the best interest of the Jamaican people,” Gordon said.

The NSWMA is the organisation mandated to manage solid waste, safeguard public health, and ensure a clean environment. It oversees garbage collection, disposal site operations, and public cleansing services islandwide while promoting recycling and enforcing environmental regulations.

- Sashana Small

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.