The Ministry of Health and Social Development has commissioned a new bulldozer for the Pockwood Pond Waste Management Facility, marking what officials described as an important step toward improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley visited the facility last week to observe a demonstration of the new heavy-duty machine. He said the addition allows the department to handle more work internally and reduce its dependence on private contractors.

“It’s brand new and ready for operation,” Wheatley said. “This means that much of the work we previously outsourced can now be handled in-house, operated, maintained, and managed by our own team.”

Wheatley commended Acting Director of Waste Management Mr. Levi Benjamin and his team for maintaining consistent operations and preventing fires at the facility, noting there had been no reported fires in 2024 or 2025.

The minister also confirmed that the government is moving forward with plans to restore incineration capacity at Pockwood Pond. An international specialist recently assessed the existing 100-ton incinerator and presented two options — either repairing the current unit or replacing it with two 50-ton systems. A final decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Wheatley further acknowledged residents who have supported recycling and waste separation efforts. “Those who separate their garbage, compost, and reuse materials are leading by example,” he said. “The more we work together, the more we keep a cleaner, greener Virgin Islands.”

Acting Director Mr. Benjamin said the new bulldozer would strengthen the department’s capacity to manage daily operations.

“Having our own equipment is a game changer,” Benjamin said. “It saves on the costs and delays that come with outsourcing. Our team has already been trained and is ready to operate the machine efficiently, starting this week.”

Benjamin also highlighted ongoing waste-reduction initiatives, including glass and plastic recycling partnerships with the private sector and new programmes promoting waste diversion and reuse.

The Department of Waste Management said it remains committed to modernising its operations, improving waste collection and disposal systems, and expanding sustainable waste-management practices throughout the Territory.