Demanding outstanding payments…
THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has until Monday to make outstanding payments to its garbage contractors or services around Georgetown will cease, once again.
The Guyana Chronicle was informed of the ultimatum yesterday by spokesmen for two of them, Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Crawler and Wheeler Tractor Spares, both of whom preferred anonymity.
The one from Puran Brothers said the company gave City Hall notice yesterday that it will suspend garbage collection by Monday unless it is paid.
He said, at a meeting yesterday in the Council Chamber, M&CC officials lamented that the municipality does not have enough funds to pay and asked for more time to meet the debts for March, April and May.
He said, about three weeks ago, the municipality paid the last 50 per cent due for February and it was not the first or second time that they were treated in that manner.
He said the notification to City Hall was not sudden but after making several telephone calls and receiving failed promises.
The Crawler and Wheeler representative told this newspaper that firm demanded payment as early as possible, as it is running out of fuel and needs to buy spare parts, as well.
According to him, his company did not specify a time by which it should be paid but the withdrawal of its services could, possibly, between Monday and Wednesday.
Cevons Waste Management Inc could not be reached for comment but M&CC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Royston King acknowledged communication from the contractors, indicating that they may not be able to continue beyond Monday.
He confirmed that the Administration met with them yesterday around noon when Acting Town Clerk, Mr. Sharon Harry-Munroe informed the M&CC was not in a position to honour its obligations, being currently cash-strapped.
King said the contractors were, however, advised that the Council is pursuing a number of measures to raise the finance.
He said 28,000 demand notices are presently being sent to property owners, urging that they settle their accounts while legal proceedings have been initiated against defaulters, a number of whom, including businessmen, have been taken to Court.
King said City Hall has in place a plan through which those experiencing difficulties to pay their arrears can visit the Treasury Department and negotiate installments.
He added that Head of the reform Implementation Committee, Mr. Keith Burrowes is very helpful in the debt collection section of the Treasury Department and is also helping to improve the database, he said.
King said the Council is fully aware that the contracted companies are facing the same predicament, in relation to finances.
He said the Council has suggested that the two sides meet again on Wednesday and review the situation as the municipality will treat the payment issue as priority.