City Council hosts consultation on garbage collection fees; Bemoans attendance

The Mayor of Georgetown has bemoaned the attendance of business owners to consultations being hosted by the Council, to deal with garbage disposal.

The City Council is looking to introduce a fee for the collection and disposal of garbage from May 01, 2017.

At its third consultation hosted today, (Friday, April 07, 2017), a total of six business representatives turned up to share their views.

Among the questions raised were, whether the rates and taxes being paid by the companies cover garbage collection, and what are the fees being mulled by the Council. In response, the Mayor noted that the rates and taxes are not sufficient and the fees will be decided upon at the end of consultations.

Solid Waste Director at the City Council, Walter Narine explained to those gathered, the importance of keeping the environment clean or they could be charged.

He added that the council will not go against the hiring of private contractors to collect garbage as an alternative to paying the council. However, the contract signed with the private companies, will have to be shown to inspectors whenever they visit.

One representative from Jumbo jet auto sales- Rashad Mohammed recommended that the council charge $500 per barrel to dispose of garbage while another smaller businessman, Jermaine Langevine recommended $300.

One business woman who represented K Rahman and Sons recommended that the fine be paid monthly at a total of $5000. This was also supported by Carib foods.

The Solid Waste Director also disclosed that the Council is working towards the setting up of recycling plant this year to deal with plastic bottles, even as he urged businesses to issue reusable bags and keep their surrounding drains clean.

It was revealed that the council collects garbage in areas including Regent Street and Robb Street as much as twice per day, while some businesses pay only $12,000 per year which is just $1,000 per month.