A story in yesterday's newspaper incorrectly reported a Government assessment of its trash collection programme. The story should have said Government blamed collection problems in its twice-a-week collections -- not its once-a-week collection -- on truck breakdowns and staff shortages.

Government is blaming vehicle breakdowns and staff shortages on problems with once-a-week garbage collection.

And public concern over the system, introduced late last year, has forced the Government to introduce a number of ways of clearing excess waste.

But Minister of Works and Engineering the Hon. Clarence Terceira claims surveys show that, despite the public disquiet, the new pick-up system has been far more reliable.

"There has been some public concern expressed since the introduction of once-a-week collection services,'' admitted Dr. Terceira.

"Government acknowledges that, particularly in certain areas, there are problems which Government intends to address.

"Prior to the change to once-a-week collection, it was virtually impossible to provide an entirely reliable waste collection service, because of the breakdown of garbage collection vehicles and because of staff shortages on a given day. This resulted in an inefficient and sometimes unreliable service.

"Since the revised scheme, our surveys have shown the pick-up system has actually been far more reliable. Therefore the public is being encouraged to assist us in making the scheme a success.'' Dr. Terceira said that residents have a 98 percent chance of their garbage being collected if it is put out by 7.30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.

"As I said, Government recognises that there are concerns and problems which need to be addressed. In particular, there are congested areas where the one-a-week collection of general garbage is causing problems,'' he added.

"Government intends to address these problems by supplementing the once-a-week collection with additional pick-ups. In order to assist, the Ministry has already opened up disposal drop-off points at the Airport and at the Sally Port dump sites.'' Multi-housing complexes have also caused problems because of the amount of garbage they generate.

Dr. Terceira said: "A further problem has arisen with clubs throughout the Island, which generate a large volume of recyclable material. The problem will be addressed by the creation, almost immediately, of a free service to collect this material from these organisations.

Anyone experiencing problems can call the Waste Disposal Hotline on 297-7946.

From March 1, Government will be introducing a Bulky Waste (anything two men can lift) collection service. Anyone wishing to use the service should call the Solid Waste Disposal Plant on 292-7454.