Maloney Gardens residents raise alarm over garbage buildup

Maloney Gardens residents raise alarm over garbage buildup

Residents of Maloney Gardens are calling for urgent action to address the ongoing accumulation of garbage across 12 car parks within the housing development, saying the situation poses a serious health risk to children, the elderly and the wider community.

Several car parks, including those between Buildings 10 and 11, and 12 and 13, are littered with mounds of scattered refuse, according to residents who say the problem has persisted for months.

One resident, Ryan Spencer, voiced dissatisfaction with the contractor currently responsible for garbage collection in the area. He said the issue began around November, after garbage bins were removed when a previous contractor was no longer retained. As a result, residents and others were left with no choice but to discard waste on the ground.

Spencer further complained that the current contractor’s equipment is inadequate. He said while the previous contractor used multiple trucks and a tractor to carry out daily collections, the current contractor relies on a single garbage truck, which he claims is unable to properly manage the volume and type of waste being generated.

“They are only picking up two or three bags at a time and leaving the rest scattered, saying there are certain things they cannot put on the truck,” Spencer said.

Another resident, known in the community as “Daddy,” said residents were frustrated but did not want the issue to become political. He described the situation as unacceptable, noting that children have to walk past piles of garbage and animal carcasses on their way to school.

He also pointed out that dumping is not limited to residents, alleging that people from outside the community regularly dispose of rubbish in the Maloney Gardens car parks. He highlighted tyres and other debris piled in one of the affected areas and said this was less of a problem when large garbage bins were stationed on-site.

According to residents, the current conditions have created a serious health hazard, with foul odours and the risk of disease affecting those living closest to the dumping areas. Concerns were also raised about the disposal of dead animals and medical waste among the garbage.

Residents are calling for a contractor capable of carrying out thorough and consistent clean-up operations, rather than partial collections that leave refuse behind.

Some residents said they were reluctant to protest publicly, expressing fear that any demonstration could be met with aggressive policing.

In response to the complaints, the Housing Development Corporation’s Corporate Communications Unit confirmed that regular garbage collection is scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The unit also stated that a bulk-waste collection is planned for tomorrow, noting that bulk waste removal is intended to take place once per month.

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