Garbage collectors promise to clear backlog in days

The MPM Waste Management Limited has sought to explain the reasons behind the delay in the collection of solid waste from several Kingston and Portmore communities, promising to clear the backlog in the coming day.

In a release issued this afternoon, MPM Waste Management Limited, which operates under the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) said the delay has been over the past week.

However, residents of several Molynes Gardens communities in particular, say they have had no garbage collection for more than two weeks.

"This delay is caused by our inability to complete the collection cycle due to various reasons including mechanical problems being experienced by units from our hired fleet," said MPM operations manager, Washington Grant.

"The situation is further compounded by the increased volume of solid waste generated at social functions and family gatherings at this time of the year."

On the weekend, NSWMA executive director Jennifer Edwards was reported as saying NSWMA crews would work throughout Monday night to ensure that the garbage was collected by Christmas Day.

Four days later, Grant is again promising that the matter will be addressed.

"We have since reassessed the situation and have now implemented a revised plan that will include additional trips per unit, assigning new units and night collection," he said while apologising for the delay in collecting the garbage.

He is urging residents to ensure that their solid waste is placed on the outside of their premises for collection and also to contact the Community Relations Department toll free at 1-888-253-2652 or 448-3220 to get information on their scheduled collection day.

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