[ad_1]
The company could face possible fines and other penalties if the garbage is not picked up.
NEW ORLEANS Garbage cans and trash pile up on the sidewalk in the Willowbrook Subdivision in East New Orleans.
Metro Service Group, the waste management contractor for this area, was unable to complete its full run on Wednesday.
The teams were back on Thursday to finish the job.
Neighbors say not picking up their trash when it’s supposed to be a problem.
It’s frustrating, especially when you take out the trash and then have to bring it back, neighbor Arthur Funches said.
There have also been pickup delays along the subway route in other areas of Lakeview in the Lower Ninth Ward.
Metro CEO Jimmie Woods said a temporary staff shortage, especially among drivers, was to blame.
What we’ve done in the past is bring in drivers from other parts of our operation, Woods said. We operate in Mississippi and a few other states and on some days you can’t do it for various reasons.
Metro is one of three New Orleans waste contractors.
The company is mainly located on the east side of the city, north of I-10.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell says she understands Metros’ staffing issues, but she wants the garbage in town to be picked up on time.
What we are seeing is not acceptable, but what I also understand is that it is also not acceptable for Metro, Cantrell said. So, keep working with them and ensuring that the garbage is picked up in a timely manner.
Woods said he was considering possible sharing of resources with other waste collectors in that area.
We were doing everything in our power to recruit more staff, so that we could return to the level of service that Metro is known for, Woods said.
Back in Willowbrook, City Council member Cyndi Nguyen, who also lives in the subdivision, said Metro was working with his office to improve service.
It’s certainly an added burden when it was about so many other things, but we had to face reality, Nguyen said. I’m just glad we have a partner working with us.
The city’s contract with Metro gives the company 24 hours to pick up the trash if it doesn’t pick it up on the normal day of service.
The company could face possible fines and other penalties if the garbage is not picked up.
Metro CEO Jimmie Woods asks customers to be patient as he resolves his staffing issues.
[ad_2]
picture credit