Regional Evaluation Municipal Solid Waste Management Services. Country Analytical Report, St. Lucia. Evaluation 2002

Abstract

[Executive Summary] St. Lucia is an independent country within the British Commonwealth. The country is a member of the OECS and is located in the south central portion of the Caribbean between Martinique and St. Vincent. The solid waste management system falls under the St. Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority, a semiautonomous body under the Ministry of Planning. The solid waste disposal system has been largely privatized with only the operation of the Vieux Fort disposal site currently under direct SLSWMA control. Solid waste disposal is to the new Deglos secure landfill (75%) and the older Vieux Fort controlled landfill (25%). The Deglos site was financed under the WB/CDB solid waste initiatives as were improvements to the Vieux Fort site. St. Lucia has a minimal legal framework for the solid waste management system. Despite the apparent dissatisfaction with the Solid waste Management Act (1996) and the failure to pass an equivalent ship generated waste act or to develop a regulatory framework, SLSWMA continues to function both smoothly and well. The major strength of the system lies in the strong administrative staff of SLSWMA and the firm direction provided. This administrative strength has permitted the development of a fully equitable collection and disposal system of high quality. Equally impressive is the intimate knowledge of the detailed operation of the system that is displayed by senior management. The grasp of financial affairs is particularly good.