The controversial construction project was completed in the middle of a national park in the Scotland District of Barbados, and was subsequently deemed unfit for use as a landfill.
Bajan people continue to be upset about the outcome, and it is utilized as a political talking point indicative of distrust and mismanagement.
While the choice to put the landfill in a beautiful, newly established national park was considered absurd, Barbados is so small that there were limited options and the need to a solid waste solution was urgent.
The Honorable Simmons in particular took legal action on behalf of the residents of Arch Hall, and made a campaign promise to close the mangrove pond landfill.
Greenland, St Andrew in the Scotland District was a natural quarry where shale was long ago mined for the one cement factory on the island.
[2] The Scotland District has a very different landscape due in part to being comprised more of oceanic clay than of coral, and this makes it prone to landslides.
The committee comprised the Ministry of Agriculture, the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers, a representative of the Chief Town Planner, National Conservation Commission, The Soil Conservation Unit, National Trust, Government Satellite Corporation and other Government departments.
According to interviews conducted by NorWatch reporter Harald Eraker in 1996, NorConsult project manager Finnborud stated "[W]e cannot let us be guided by special interests.
She spoke extensively on this in the House Assembly in 2000, and is also quoted in media as suggesting redefining the national park to simply not contain the landfill.
The government pumped out this water which led directly to the drying and cracking of the landfill's permanent lining system meant to protect the landscape from waste seepage.
The government spokesman tried to give some meaning behind the failed venture by saying the landfill will be opened after repairs even though some studies and experts claim landslides could take place in the area possibly dumping the waste downhill into the sea.