NT Reporter
Mapusa
With the aim of streamlining garbage collection and improving cleanliness in the municipal market, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) unanimously resolved to outsource door-to-door garbage collection and transportation in Ward No. 1 to Ward 10.
MMC also approved outsourcing the cleaning and sweeping of the Mapusa municipal market—including the fish, flower and vegetable markets, matki bazaar—and housekeeping of municipal complexes at a cost of
Rs 2.59 crore. Garbage collection for Wards 11 to 20 has already been outsourced.
It also resolved to hold a special meeting to discuss the commercial complex project which is complete but still lacks completion certificates, along with a pending land dispute.
The discussion followed requests from the Town and Country Planning and Electricity Departments seeking space in the new commercial building.
Chairperson Priya Mishal, saw her move the proposal to outsource garbage collection from Ward 1 to Ward 10. The proposal was unanimously passed. Councillor Shashank Narvekar said garbage collection for Ward 1 to Ward 10 had been outsourced earlier but was later discontinued, which led to a mess. He said outsourcing is needed and should be implemented
immediately.
The outsourcing proposal includes operation of a TPD sanitary incinerator, operation of 5 TPD bio-methanation plants, the MRF shed at Cunchelim, garden waste collection from all wards, and disposal through a wood chipper machine, all of which will improve waste management in Mapusa.
Responding to councillors’ concerns, Mishal said only collection has been outsourced, and the council will provide vehicles and bins while the contractor will provide labour.
The Council also resolved to purchase a refuse collection truck and dual-cabin pickup using solid waste management funds, and to increase medical allowances for permanent municipal staff by Rs 2,000 per month.
