The Virgin Islands Department of Waste Management has accelerated efforts to eliminate derelict vehicles from the territory as 2023 draws to a close. According to Director Marcus Solomon, over 700 abandoned autos have now been tagged and removed from Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
The intensive clearance initiative is being conducted by local contractor KNJ General Maintenance, which commenced operations on December 11th in Virgin Gorda before shifting focus to Tortola on the 13th.
Along with derelict vehicles, the project has hauled away other scrap metals and bulky waste items like refrigerators and washing machines. Director Solomon thanked the public for assistance in identifying problematic materials needing removal.
Earlier in 2023, KNJ exported over 2,000 tons of old vehicles and metals off the islands to Colombia for recycling. Solomon stated the current phase aims to finish processing all identified derelicts into the new year.
“We want to complete the operation and restore storage areas to pristine condition,” he said. “All derelict vehicles will be loaded onto barges while other waste gets transferred to our Pockwood Pond site.”
Officials hope to conclude the demanding derelict disposal project within the coming days.