Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday personally backed the review of government contracts with private waste removal companies, two weeks after the Council of Ministers signed an order indicating they will review the capital’s contract with garbage collector Cintri.
“I would like to support the strengthening of waste collection services,” Hun Sen said, during a speech at Koh Pich Exhibition Center for National Clean City Day. “We must review the effectiveness of waste collection firms that have signed contracts with the government.”
The premier did not specifically name Cintri, the only waste management contractor in Phnom Penh since 2002, which has come under fire for failing to make improvements requested by government officials.
Ministry of Environment spokesman Sao Sopheap yesterday said the government has not made an official decision to review Cintri’s contract. The government has put aside $5 million to improve waste management in 2015.
Cintri’s deputy director Seng Chamroeun said yesterday that the firm was operating as normal.
Hun Sen yesterday also announced the winners of the Clean City awards, with Battambang town topping the list.