AMIDST concerns raised by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Alfonso De Armas, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) majority-controlled Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown have approved another extension of the city’s contracts with several garbage collection companies, sparking debate over the city’s waste management approach.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Councillor De Armas criticised the Council’s handling of the waste management issue, labelling it as inadequate and shortsighted.
The cash-strapped City Council has not been honouring its payment responsibilities to the garbage collectors, and the councilman also disclosed that it is approximately three months behind on payments.
Considering the above, he emphasised: “So you can imagine the peculiar situation the City is in now with no enforceable contract.”

He highlighted the expiration of one-year contracts with solid waste management firms like Cevons Waste Management Services and Puran Brothers Disposal Incorporated, emphasising the lack of a clear plan from the Council to ensure ongoing waste collection and disposal.
Despite knowing for months about the impending contract expirations, De Armas claimed that the Council failed to establish a comprehensive strategy, with attempts by PPP/C council members to address the matter being blocked.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to extend the contracts for another year, arguing that such an arrangement leaves the city at the mercy of contractors.
De Armas warned that relying solely on contract extensions could lead to contractors withdrawing their services, resulting in a trash pile-up in the nation’s capital.
He criticised the effectiveness of the current contracts, noting that they do not cover the collection and disposal of parapet, bulky, and commercial waste.
Additionally, De Armas revealed that the City Council proposed offering contractors an additional five percent payment for collecting parapet, bulky, and commercial waste, an offer that was largely rejected. He expressed frustration over the Council’s failure to negotiate further after the offer was turned down.

Moreover, De Armas highlighted the Council’s financial struggles, revealing that it is approximately three months behind on payments to garbage collectors. He emphasised the precarious situation faced by the city without enforceable contracts.
Regarding waste removal from companies, De Armas acknowledged challenges with the Council’s garbage collection vehicles occasionally being out of service for maintenance. However, he noted the Council’s efforts despite these setbacks.

The longstanding waste management issues in Georgetown have been attributed to the inadequacy of the city’s waste management infrastructure, reflecting the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the challenges faced by residents and businesses alike.