SWMCOL promises end to garbage problems

Solid Waste Management Co Ltd (SWMCOL) acting CEO Frank Hernandez says problems in the collection of garbage in various areas will soon be rectified. In an interview yesterday, Hernandez said a new contract was issued for collection of waste in municipal corporations from March 1. “SWMCOL would have been responsible for the process and awarding of the contracts,” he said.

“In some instances, new contractors came on board in municipalities from last Friday. “We seem to be experiencing teething problem in areas.” Hernandez said new areas or new contractors were the source of problems. “We are in touch with the corporations with a view of rectifying the problem,” he said. Chairman of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation Khadijah Ameen said contractors would be paid according to their performance.

“It is an occurrence when contractors change hands, but it happens,” she said. “The contract was awarded by SWMCOL and contractors who don’t perform won’t be paid 100 per cent but for the service provided. I don’t want to see taxpayers’ money wasting, but that they get value for their money.” Ameen said during the past week, residents had complained about the pile-up of garbage in St Joseph, Tunapuna and Dinsley communities. 

“We are going through a period where there is a change in the contract that ended on February 28 and one started on March 1,” she said. “We had problems because the new contracts started and there are teething problems.” Ameen said some of the checkers and supervisors had been lackadaisical. “They fell down on the job and there were cases where people did not know the area,” she said. 

“We held a public health meeting (yesterday morning) and checkers have to be disciplined and we in admin are hoping there is a smooth transition.” Vice-chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation Jeffrey Reyes said a news conference would be held today to discuss the problem.