The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development yesterday signed a $1,050,000 per month contract with Puran Brothers Disposal Services for the operation of the Lusignan landfill site on the East Coast Demerara.

The Environmental Protection Agency-approved functioning of the site will facilitate the daily collection of garbage from Mahaica to Plaisance on the East Coast.

At a press briefing yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Sewchan (only name) said that the contract, takes immediate effect and will run for one year after which it will be reviewed for possible renewal.

Puran Brothers is tasked with ensuring that the functioning of the Lusignan site does not contravene sound environmental standards.

Minister of Local Government Kellawan Lall took the opportunity to assert that central to the avoidance of flooding, was proper garbage disposal, which the contract was aimed at fulfilling.

Stabroek News had reported last week that residents of the Lusignan railway embankment had been left to deal with the stench of garbage after persons had dumped refuge in their neighbourhood. Residents had noted that this was unhealthy as they used the water in the nearby canal for domestic purposes.