Just days into the new year, the capital city, Georgetown, continues to grapple with the persistent issue of garbage accumulation, raising concerns among residents and stakeholders about public health and sanitation.
During a tour of the city yesterday, the Sunday Stabroek observed numerous locations where garbage bins were overflowing, and heaps of waste had spilled onto the streets, creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment.
The Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, acknowledged the gravity of the problem during a phone interview yesterday with the Sunday Stabroek. According to Mentore, the city council has been facing significant challenges with its garbage collection efforts. Chief among these is the underperformance of contractors responsible for waste management. He noted that some contractors have not been fulfilling their mandates, leading to delays in garbage collection and inadequate coverage across several areas.
“Since the Christmas season ended, we’ve also been experiencing issues with workers not reporting to duty on time. It seems many are still in a festive mood, which has further hampered our efforts to address the growing piles of garbage,” Mentore explained. He assured that he and his team are working diligently to resolve the issue, emphasising that swift action is being taken to clear the roadways.
The garbage crisis in Georgetown has been a persistent problem. In 2023, the city faced recurring issues with waste management, often exacerbated by a lack of resources, insufficient funding, and poor coordination among relevant agencies. During that period, residents frequently complained about the irregular collection schedule, which led to the proliferation of illegal dumping sites. Additionally, the rapid urbanisation of Georgetown has resulted in an increased waste, placing a greater strain on the existing infrastructure.
Another contributing factor is the limited public awareness and enforcement of proper waste disposal practices. While some community groups have organised clean-up campaigns, these efforts are often undermined by the absence of long-term strategies and consistent public education initiatives.
The city’s garbage woes also have economic implications. Overflowing trash bins and piles of waste tarnish Georgetown’s image as a key commercial hub and tourist destination, potentially deterring investment and visitors.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. The Mayor stressed the need for greater accountability from contractors and a reassessment of existing waste management contracts.
The accompanying photos show a few of the many locations the Sunday Stabroek visited within the city. Roadways such as Duncan Street, North Road, and other parts of Church Street, were also seen lined with piles of garbage and clogged drains. (Mia Anthony)