PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs Jr has announced significant updates to waste management services in parcel 5, which includes neighborhoods such as Down Street, Fort Willem, and Bel-Air. Effective immediately, the contract with Avyanna Cleanup and Construction has been terminated due to repeated performance issues, and Meadowlands will assume waste collection services in the area.
The decision to terminate Avyanna’s contract follows persistent challenges, including breaches related to the sourcing of waste bins and inadequate collection services since the contract's initiation in March 2021. Despite government support, including the provision of equipment, these issues remain unresolved. The transition aims to ensure continuity and reliability in waste collection services for parcel 5. Meadowlands, which already manages services for three other parcels, has the operational capacity to take on this additional responsibility effectively.
“This transition marks an important step toward improving the quality of waste management for residents in parcel 5,” stated Minister Gumbs. “The government remains committed to upholding accountability and providing residents with reliable waste collection services.”
To address broader challenges in solid waste management, the Ministry is also advancing its efforts to establish a stronger regulatory framework. Minister Gumbs highlighted that work is underway to finalize contracts for drafting the Waste Authority Ordinance and updating the existing Waste Ordinance. Once completed, these measures will provide a legal foundation for managing solid waste disposal and financing sustainable practices. These reforms are part of the Emergency Debris Management Trust Fund project, designed to tackle waste challenges with increased structure and oversight. “Effective waste management requires clear regulations and sustainable practices,” Minister Gumbs noted. “We aim to ensure that our system not only meets current needs but also safeguards the environment for future generations.”
Addressing Concerns Over Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Ministry also acknowledged public concerns regarding Lucianno Nichols, Chief of Staff to Minister Gumbs, and his familial relationship with the owner of the waste disposal company All Waste in Place. The government emphasized its commitment to transparency and fairness, assuring citizens that appropriate steps will be taken to address and avoid conflicts of interest.
