Trash Build-Up in the City of Providence

Essential City Services Slowed Down Since Pandemic

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – The Providence City Council says there has been an “unacceptable” increase in trash build-up since the declaration of the state of emergency in the city.

City Council President Pro Tempore, Michael Correia, and Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. plan to introduce a resolution, calling on the Department of Public Works (DPW) to issue an plan to ensure city services continue in a timely manner.

This plan is to be submitted during the Thursday city council meeting.

“I have heard from residents daily regarding deplorable conditions of our City’s neighborhoods”, stated Correia.

“My colleagues and I understand the unique circumstances we are in, but by being creative with how we schedule our DPW crews, we should not be having these issues. We are in a unique opportunity to use our existing workforce to do much-needed maintenance across the City, and by creating an operations plan, I believe we can achieve that end,” he said.

“Our residents deserve better. They work very hard to pay their taxes, and they expect that we will honor our obligations to them as residents”, said Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.

Narducci said the city should be able to deploy teams of five or less to accomplish the services needed to keep it clean while protecting the DPW.

According to the statement from the city council, if the situation is not dealt with promptly, it will result in a growing public health issue and interfere with other essential city services.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020