THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown could once again find itself in ‘hot water’ with garbage contractors if outstanding payments are not made soon.
The Chronicle yesterday managed to speak with officials from two of the agencies that are responsible for collection: Puran Brothers Disposal Services, and Cevons Waste Management Incorporated.
An official from Puran Brothers said that the council has not paid any of its outstanding amounts since December 2010, while one from Cevons said that the municipality has not paid anything for the past six months.
The official from Puran Bros. said the company has been calling the council repeatedly for payments and has subsequently been promised that a payment will be made some time this week.
Less than a year ago, City Hall failed to meet its deadline for paying up its outstanding amounts to garbage contractors, resulting in the latter suspending their services across the city.
Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer at M&CC, Mr. Royston King, reported yesterday in a press release that there has been no collection of garbage in some local communities. This is posing serious problems to residents and the health of neighbourhoods, he pointed out.
King said it is apparent that the extra distance to Haags Bosch, traffic congestion and the extensive areas for coverage by garbage contractors, are all contributing to a delay in the process.
“The turnaround time is affecting the normal rhythm of collection in Georgetown,” he said, adding that the council is aware that this situation is contributing to the indiscriminate dumping of garbage on parapets and roadsides in sections across the City.
“This action is having a negative impact on the appearance and health of the city. It is also affecting council’s ability to provide other core services to citizens, as council must redirect its limited resources to deal with litter and parapet waste,” he said.
“Council is asking citizens to continue exercising patience and understanding as the municipality is working to restore the efficiency which once characterised its collection and disposal of the city’s waste,” King continued.
According to him, the council is also examining alternative options which include mulching, composting and using organic waste for animal food.
The Solid Waste Management Department at M&CC is in the process of developing a comprehensive proposal on this aspect of the city’s responsibility, he further reported.