The Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) on Thursday announced changes to its operations as a result of Covid-19 preparatory measures currently being taken to protect staff and customers. Jamiella Christopher, Senior Manager in Charge of Communications at the SWMC listed the following measures:

a. Effective immediately, the SWMC Conference Room located at our headquarters in Taylors Range, will be closed to the public until further notice. All bookings are cancelled.

b. The bin truck service is suspended with immediate effect.

c. Persons paying for SWMC services (including those in the Nosy program), are advised to use checks or call the SWMC office at 465-9507 to make special arrangements for payments. We are limiting the use of cash at this time.

d. Garbage collection will now be reduced from twice weekly to once weekly. Persons are asked to be responsible when disposing waste. In absence of garbage bins, double garbage bags to strengthen storage capacity. Keep waste inside your homes until the day garbage trucks arrive. Take note of the new schedule, which will be posted no later than Saturday March 28 and will be in effect from March 30th to April 10. Listen to the revised schedule. The schedule will also be posted on the corporation’s social media pages (Facebook and Instagram).

e. The landfill will remain open but we advocate minimal visits from members of the public. The SWMC has implemented proper hygiene measures at the landfill including installing sanitization stations to accommodate customers and staff.

f. The SWMC will be in communication with the Ministry of Health and any changes to these measures will be implemented and announced in due course.

The SWMC will continue to play its role in keeping the island clean and encourages the general public to follow the guidelines from the health authorities to stop the spread of COvid-19.