Walter Narine, the Georgetown municipality’s Solid Waste Director, plans to seek legal advice after being informed by City Hall that he must repay over $900,000 for costs incurred when he contracted a private firm last year to dispose of garbage for the city.
During an interview with Stabroek News, Narine said he had received permission to hire Puran Brothers Disposal Inc after the city council’s truck encountered mechanical problems and was due to undergo repairs for some three to five days. However, the company ended up being used for a two-month period as the council’s truck remained down for repairs.
Narine explained that after the city’s truck encountered mechanical difficulties that were expected to be rectified within three to five days, he went to then Town Clerk Sharon Harry- Munroe and informed her of the situation.
He said he was asked what he recommended and suggested that they seek a contractor for the short timeframe to help with the removal of garbage in order to prevent a buildup.
The contractor started his work but the city’s truck remained in the work shop.
Narine said he did take some blame for not informing Harry-Munroe that the truck was still in the repair shop, where it remains at present.
At the same time, he argued that it was not his place to inform the council of the decision made to contract a contractor; he said it was the Town Clerk’s.
Narine added that in July, when enquiries where made, he informed the council that he had received the permission from Harry-Munroe.
At that time, he said, she was on administrative leave.
However, she stated that she was not informed that the truck was still in the repair shop after the five-day period originally mentioned to her had elapsed.
He said he agreed to repay the money but was not aware of the total amount, and disclosed that the amount is far below the $900,000 being claimed.
A recommendation was made to the Local Government Commission that Narine repay the money or be suspended for a one-month period.
However, in response, the Local Government Commission recommended that he make the payment in one part.
Narine said he received a letter from now acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick, who informed him that the council’s decision is that he repay the money. Narine explained that he responded to the letter and asked for the correct amount he was required to pay and he said he was told it could not be provided.
At a statutory meeting held yesterday, the council passed a motion for Narine to repay the money in question within a six-month period, given the pandemic, among other concerns.
Narine is concerned that he did not receive a hearing, hence his decision to seek legal advice.
He also shared that after the agreement he had with Puran Brothers ended, the council entered into an agreement that cost even more.
He said after the two-month period elapsed, Puran Brothers’ services were discontinued, resulting in a build-up of garbage before the council once again re-engaged the firm.
Narine said for the two-month period in question Puran Brothers’ was never paid and he questioned how he should repay for something that benefitted the council.
