MPs seek answers on wastewater plant and waste contracts

The minister said evaluation of bids for solid-waste collection, which closed on 25 September, was expected to finish by the end of October, with contract awards to follow. Bids for district-cleaning contracts were submitted on 9 October and were also under evaluation.

Doran asked for information on the plant's condition, repairs, staffing, maintenance, backup generators, wastewater testing and treatment standards. He also sought a comparison of operating costs in 2020, 2022 and 2025, and asked whether an independent technical assessment had been carried out.

Doran said he had received information that septic trucks may have been directed to the landfill because the treatment plant was closed. He asked the minister to confirm whether that occurred, who authorised it, whether the wastewater was treated and whether environmental and public-health authorities were consulted.

Irion questioned waste-collection arrangements for apartment buildings and said the rules should better distinguish residential and commercial properties. He cited a 16-unit building in Cole Bay with two garbage bins and asked whether more bins are included in the proposed 2027 budget.

York asked what action is taken against commercial businesses that do not arrange garbage collection. He also asked whether environmental inspectors can issue administrative fines directly and whether laws or fine amounts for sewage on public roads and accumulated commercial garbage need to be changed.