Lae meeting raises hope late payment on the way

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
KEEPING the city clean is the aim of genuine contractors attached to the Lae urban local level government council, a worker says.
Patricia Tai, from Mumeng in Bulolo, has been attached to the council since 2014.
She was among six other contractors who represented workers during a brief meeting with government officials at the council office last week.
Lae MP John Rosso, Lord Mayor Koim Trilu Leahy, Lae district chief executive Robin Calistus and acting city manager Kisu Lucas met the contractors.
The meeting was to look at ways to address outstanding payments to contractors dating back to 2014.
Tai, who is contracted to the Second Seven Dump maintenance under the rubbish collection (sanitation and garbage) section of the council, said she was happy that they would finally get paid.
“Most people do not understand the work that we do at the dump site,” Tai said.
“There are trucks contracted to pick up rubbish, but there are also machines that need to work at the dump site to clear all this rubbish.
“I hire bulldozers and excavators to clear the dump site and make sure the rubbish stays in the dump area.
“Our work depends on the pile of rubbish.
“If there is plenty, we can work for just one week and later claim our payments.
“But we have not been paid properly and there is still outstanding money that the council owes us.”