Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru , Sep 11: The Mumbai-based Antony Waste Handling Cell Pvt Limited on Friday September 11 stopped the door-to-door collection of solid waste and its waste transportation service in Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits, due to outstanding bills worth over Rs 8 crore owed to it by the MCC.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Haridas, project manager, Antony Waste Handling Cell Pvt Limited, said, "The MCC has to pay approximately Rs 8.3 crore to the company for handling the waste management. After the company stopped the service today, MCC commissioner assured of providing Rs 3.5 crore by evening. Hence, we restored the service after 1.30 pm in the afternoon, but they have not paid it yet. Today, we stopped only the door-to-door collection and transportation of solid waste. MCC paid only 50 percent of the bill in May and June, and in July it did not pay anything at all."

He also said that the company was compelled to stop the services because it did not have money to get fuel for the vehicles.

When contacted, MCC mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred said, "The company is not handling all the work allotted to it satisfactorily. Work like sweeping of roads and cleaning of drains is pending. Hence, MCC has deducted the amount."

She also alleged that the company has even kept workers' provident fund pending for three months even after MCC asked it to pay the same on September 7. "If it continues with the same attitude we will have to make certain alternative arrangements," said the mayor.

Responding to the mayor's allegations about the provident fund to workers, the company's project manager Haridas said, "I have given you my version and that is their version. They are just making lame excuses."