Newly sworn-in Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, yesterday undertook a visit to various areas in Georgetown to have a firsthand look at the garbage situation. During the visit, he told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that he plans to engage the private sector on proper garbage disposal and management practices. The Minister, accompanied by Town Clerk Yonette Pluck, checked the Stabroek Market area, High Street between Regent and Robb Streets, and Bourda Market, among other areas, as he sought to assess the impact the present City Council arrangement is having on the garbage situation.
He said there is need for people to become conscious that they have a role to play in the garbage collection process, and it is for this reason he plans to engage the business community.
“A lot of these garbage piles are as a result of commercial activities, he said.
The ordinary persons must also be engaged too, to appreciate the importance of utilising specific areas for garbage collection.
“But right now the urgency must be placed on engaging the private sector,” he said.
Assessing the current garbage collection method and schedule of the Mayor and City Council, Minister Whittaker said that he will be happy when City Council can collect garbage on a daily basis.
City Council was forced to carry out garbage collection, as the two main garbage collectors, Puran Bros and Cevons Waste Management Inc, have chosen to discontinue their services until they are paid outstanding money owed to them by the council.
Speaking with the GINA, Pluck said that the council, since the garbage collectors’ strike, has been able to bring on three compactors and other trucks to dispose of the city’s garbage.
Some of the equipment is on loan to the council from the Local Government and Public Works ministries.
“With our limited equipment, we are not able to maintain the schedule that the citizens are accustomed to, so there have been build up,” Pluck said.
The council’s main focus is the reduction of the garbage heaps in the commercial areas that have been spreading in size and numbers rapidly since the strike commenced, she said.
Though the council has limitations, workers have been on the job and have been doing a satisfactory job, she said. (GINA)