PARAMARIBO – Contractors who are tasked with collecting the nation’s garbage on Tuesday made it clear that they would go on strike this Thursday if they do not get their money. They explained that they have not received payment for the past 7 months. Several contractors made it clear that they are not able to keep doing their job due to the delay in payments. One of the contractors pointed out that there is another problem. “Our contracts still have not been extended. As long as the contracts are not extended, we can’t get paid even if we resume our work. I wonder how long it will take for the contracts to be signed.”

 The contractors pointed out that they also have to cover their expenses. They have to pay their employees and they must also buy fuel for their garbage trucks. “We also have to buy new tires. The employees do not want us to keep telling them that we can’t pay them due to the government’s delay in payments. They also have families and must put food on the table. If things go on like this, many families will not have a merry Christmas and they also will not be able to light any fireworks,” said a contractor.

 The contractors made it clear that they have run out of patience and that they can’t keep working without getting paid. They are repeatedly told that the papers have already been sent to the Finance and Planning Ministry and that the minister has to sign the papers…[+]