Unity state hit by refuse collection problems

August 6, 2012 (BENTIU) – Unity state capital, Bentiu and Rubkotna county as a whole are awash with refuse as the rainy season has hit and there are insufficient refuse collection services.

Tor Gai Environment Engineering Company (TGEC), which covers both areas, began in 2007 and is staffed mainly by women

Mary Nyapak Kuol, who works for TGEC told Sudan Tribune she blames the state government for not supporting them financially in their efforts to maintain a clean town, “in order to clean the areas and to keep them safe from diseases”.
She explained that they receive a wage of SSP400 (US$90) per month.

Tor Gai Jiok, the company’s general manager said the company had insufficient refuse trucks but said that the issue of funding had been resolved and that increased wages will come into effect next month.
Without sufficient government backing the company has had to resort to seeking a tariff from the markets they clean. However, according to Jiok “the government has increased the rates like the rates in bars and hotels; this will cover our budget.”

(ST)