CWSA writes off solid waste disposal arrears for residents of the Grenadines

Residents of the Grenadines whose solid waste disposal payments were in arrears have had them forgiven.

Garth Saunders, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), made the announcement on Monday, at a press conference held jointly with the St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC).

It was also announced that going forward, in order to ensure that residents receive their solid waste disposal bills in a timely manner, the bills will be distributed simultaneously with electricity bills.

Saunders explained that during the CWSA’s outreach last year, it was discovered that garbage collection fees were not being paid on time because some persons were not aware of the waste management services being provided by the CWSA and because the distribution of bills was inconsistent.

Now, to ensure that bills are received on time, a partnership with VINLEC will see that company distributing solid waste bills along with the electricity bills, as of March 1, 2018.

“…We want persons to open their bill and you will see that you are being billed from January 2018 only. So, on that bill there should be no arrears,” Saunders explained.

He said the CWSA has worked along with some people who were owing, and has received some payments, but the outstanding arrears have been forgiven.

“…In other words no customer will be disconnected at any point in the future for non-payment of fees prior to December 31, 2017. So, from here going forward, you will only be liable for arrears built up from January 1st, 2018” Saunders said.

CEO of VINLEC Thornley Myers stated that VINLEC was actively supporting and collaborating with the CWSA out of the sense of national responsibility. He explained that delinquencies in waste disposal fees would result in the disconnection of customers’ electricity supply.

He said the initiative was not intended to disconnect persons, but to ensure that the quality of the solid waste disposal service is satisfactory.

“We are not of the view that immediately once a person runs into arrears we will get instructions to proceed and disconnect a person. So, when we get to the point, having to make a disconnection, it means that that customer is not only delinquent, but very delinquent…It is important for me to mention that the usual reconnection fee for electricity services disconnected will apply…. Myers explained.

Saunders noted that bills will be due after 30 days and after 60 days, customers will be subject to disconnection. He said the CWSA will do everything to alert persons about the possibility of disconnection, but customers do not have to wait for the bill to know what is due, since the fee remains constant at $10 per month.

“Your bill will be the same month every month, so it is just a matter of arranging payments,” explained Saunders.

Winsbert Quow, manager of the Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) at the CWSA, observed that landfills are located on Bequia, Canouan and Union Island and garbage disposal is provided to residents twice a week. The SWMU also provides a white goods pick-up, and soon will provide pick-up of derelict vehicles.

The garbage disposal service is provided to 4,200 persons living in the Grenadines and are billed to “occupied premises” which utilize electricity. Payments may be made at banks, post offices, etc.(CB)