Chame Trash Collection Controversy Continues

The controversy surrounding garbage collection in the district of Chame continues, as 5 independent garbage collectors will fight for the permission to collect trash in a meeting with the Mayor of Chame this Thursday, January 21 2016.

One of these entrepreneurs, Mr. Edmundo Marquez, has been collecting trash in Coronado for 16 years. Marquez told us that in October 2015, Chame Mayor, Nieves Mayorga, met with them to tell them that a new company, Limasa SA, would be taking charge of collecting garbage in public schools and businesses. At that time Marquez said they could continue collecting the garbage in the private and local communities. On December 23, 2015 another meeting was held at the Municipality office in which the municipality revoked the permission to collect trash in Chame district from the independent collectors, effective January 1, 2016.

On Tuesday January 12, 2016 El Siglo newspaper published an article in which the Mayor explains her decision to revoke the permission of the independent contractors, including Mr. Marquez. She tells El Siglo one of the reasons is that Mr. Marquez has not paid the municipality taxes for several years. Marquez told us this article pushed him to bring a lawsuit against the Municipality, in an effort to prove that he has paid taxes to both the town of Chame and other municipalities where he has dumped trash.

The lawyers of both parties (the 5 independent contractors and the municipality) have agreed to try to reach an agreement on this issue. That meeting will take place this Thursday January 21 at 9:00 a.m at Chame Municipality. The meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend.