2011-07-15
Cabinet to Study Scrap Metal Proposals
Consequent on the recent upsurge in the theft of valuable metal infrastructure, Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce Dr. Christopher Tufton will shortly be submitting proposals to Cabinet to effect wide-ranging changes in the operation of the scrap metal trade.
The new proposals, based on research of best practices in other jurisdictions, and consultations with the Police, Customs Department, the Scrap Metal Federation, utility companies and state agencies, will see greater government involvement in the oversight of the trade.
At a meeting last Thursday (July 7) with scrap metal dealers, Minister Tufton noted the measures already taken to regulate and manage the industry so that it would not undermine and compromise other businesses. He warned scrap metal dealers that if the theft of metal continues, Government would have no choice but to be actively involved in controlling the industry, or to shut it down completely.
The thriving scrap metal trade has wreaked havoc on the island’s infrastructure, with railway lines, copper wires and telephone cables being stolen. Losses in the public and private sectors have been put at some $1-billion over the past three years; with production being hindered and service to customers disrupted.
Minister Tufton has promised to outline details of the proposals to be made to Cabinet at a later date.