The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has approved the purchase of two “state-of-the-art” garbage compactors, one day after Mayor Ubraj Narine lamented the wobbly financial state of City Hall.
During a press conference yesterday, Mayor Narine told reporters that City Hall is owed $13 Billion in rates and taxes from both businesses and governmental agencies. He said the council was also being deliberately denied subvention from Central Government, adding further to the council’s financial woes.
Mayor Narine’s concerns and the subsequent acquisition of these implements come against the backdrop of the ongoing tabulation of votes cast in the Local Government Elections held on Monday last. Preliminary results show Narine’s party retaining a majority at City Hall. This has effectively blocked the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s attempt to take control of the council in a bid to end Narine’s party’s more-than-six-decade management of the capital.
A missive from the Mayor today said that the compactors will significantly augment the council’s ongoing efforts to enhance waste management and improve sustainability at city markets. The Mayor said that their acquisition marks a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility and efficient waste disposal.
He did not disclose the cost of the machines or the method of acquisition. From information gleaned by the Guyana Standard, it was confirmed that these machines, “Portakrush 2000”, were built by Pakawaste, a United Kingdom-based manufacturer.
Mayor Narine said that the decision to invest in these compactor units was made after careful consideration of various factors, including the growing population, waste management challenges, and the need to streamline the collection process. Guyana Standard understands that these new compactors will be strategically placed at key locations, ensuring accessibility and convenience for vendors, citizens, businesses, and waste management personnel.
According to the Mayor, the compactors are equipped with advanced technology that maximizes compaction ratios, allowing for increased waste storage capacity. This efficiency is expected to reduce the frequency of waste collection and, consequently, the number of collection vehicles on the road, leading to reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.
Secondly, Narine said that the machines will improve waste management since they are designed to handle different types of waste, including general waste, recyclables, and organic matter. Their versatility, he said, will enable more effective waste separation, leading to better recycling outcomes and reduced landfill usage.
Lastly, Mayor Narine noted that the compactors are equipped with odour control mechanisms that will mitigate unpleasant odours typically associated with waste disposal areas.
Mayor Narine expressed enthusiasm about the purchase, stating, “The acquisition of these compactor units aligns with our city’s vision of creating a cleaner and greener environment for our citizens. By investing in advanced waste management infrastructure, we are taking a proactive approach to tackle the challenges of waste disposal while promoting sustainability.”
The compactor units are expected to be operational within the next few months, following the necessary installation and training procedures. He said that the council is committed to ensuring a seamless transition and will work closely with waste management personnel to ensure a smooth implementation process.
