Councilors in San Miguelito, Panama, confronted the district’s waste collection contractor this week over persistent service failures. With the company’s contract set to expire in less than a month, local representatives demanded Revisalud meet its obligations despite a surge in resident complaints about uncollected garbage.
The public session on Tuesday became a platform for airing widespread grievances from across the district. Officials reported that trash accumulation remains a visible problem in numerous communities. They accused Revisalud of neglecting its duties even as its long-term service agreement enters its final weeks.
“A direct call to the current company, Revisalud. Your contract ends on January 18, 2026, and therefore you must continue collecting garbage in our district of San Miguelito,” said Sheyla Grajales, representative for the Victoriano Lorenzo precinct. [Translated from Spanish] “I know it is December and there is more solid waste, but that does not mean that now that you are leaving you are not going to collect the garbage.”
Other council members echoed the frustration. Guillermo García, representing José Domingo Espinar, stated the complaints are relentless. He expressed further annoyance upon learning the mayor received a notice from Revisalud requesting payment for alleged overdue district fees.
Transition Plan Aims for Uninterrupted Service
The immediate concern is ensuring no gap in Solid waste management after Revisalud’s departure. The Municipal Council is reviewing a temporary tender to hire three separate companies for a six-month period starting January 19. This interim solution is designed to maintain collections while authorities conduct a full procurement for a permanent, district-wide contractor.
San Miguelito Mayor Irma Hernández sought to reassure residents about the transition. She emphasized the district’s preparedness to handle the changeover without disrupting the critical service.
“On January 19 we will be prepared with three companies, not one, for waste collection in San Miguelito,” Mayor Hernández stated. [Translated from Spanish] “We are awaiting budget approval to continue the process before the National Economic Council and achieve the approval of these companies, with the goal of offering uninterrupted service.”
Mayor Hernández confirmed the temporary Public procurement (Tendering) process is in its final stages. She expects to receive the necessary authorization within days. The selected firms for the provisional contract are Volquetes y Transporte Corro, Roca Atlántica, S.A., and Eco Septic Panamá Corp. Their mandate will run from January 19 through July 17, 2026.
This six-month window provides the administration time to execute a competitive bidding process for a comprehensive, long-term waste management contract. The goal is to secure a reliable provider capable of handling the district’s full solid waste stream. Councilors remain vigilant, however, insisting the current contractor must perform adequately until its final day.