Garbage littering the roadsides from an industrial dispute could still be there on Bermuda Day, Government admitted yesterday.

A Ministry of Works and Engineering spokesman said: “Waste Collection staff did not complete the West End today as hoped and the East End remains uncollected. Tomorrow (Wednesday) the remaining waste will be collected from the East End and if possible, the main roads in the West End.”

As Government admitted it may not clear the backlog in time, some fear the sight and smell of the trash could mar the May 24 celebrations — in particular, the Bermuda Half Marathon as 650 runners take to the streets.

Shadow Works and Engineering Minister Jon Brunson said: “If the trash isn’t collected in the next day, I doubt we’ll see it collected over the Marathon Derby, and what an embarrassment to have trash lying about the road as the runners make their way to the finish line. This is one of Bermuda’s biggest holidays and to have the streets lined with trash is a disgrace.”

He went on to accuse the Government of a lack of responsibility. Pointing to last month’s walk-out by 400 public employees over staffing of the new recycling plant, he said: “Has that issue been addressed? The answer is no.

“That leads us as to why we have a lack of trash collections.

“This Government has overlooked the issues that are affecting Bermudians today and we are still seeing examples of trash that have not been collected. There has been no effort to communicate to Bermudians as to what and how that will be done. That is not an example of responsible Government.

“We are in the peak of the tourist season and we have trash along the roadsides. It is unacceptable and something must be done. Works and Engineering have a responsibility here and have clearly dropped the ball on this issue.”

UBP Leader Michael Dunkley added: “In any business you are going to have problems from time to time, but part of proper management is to explain what exactly is going on.

“We respect the right of the workers to demonstrate but we will also inform the people of Bermuda what is going on, so the services they deserve and expect will be delivered.”

Bermuda’s garbage collections were disrupted on Thursday after crews staged a day of industrial action.

Government did advise householders in Friday’s The Royal Gazette, asking them to take their trash to the Tyne’s Bay Waste Treatment Facility, and said: “Normal garbage collection will resume in the West End on Monday”.

However, this did not happen and a spokesman said yesterday: “The Ministry of Works and Engineering would like to advise the public that there continues to be a disruption in normal garbage collection.

“Despite it being a scheduled West End collection day tomorrow (Wednesday) due to the Holiday this week, we ask residents not to put out their waste so the Ministry of Works and Engineering can endeavour to catch up on collecting the waste already set out.

“The Ministry seeks the public’s patience as it works with the Bermuda Industrial Union to resolve outstanding issues and will notify the public with any updates regarding garbage collection over the next few days.”

The spokesman advised residents to take their waste to the Tynes Bay drop-off facility between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Last night Chris Furbert, president of Bermuda Industrial Union, said garbage crews were working hard to clear the backlog.

“I imagine the crews are going to do as best they can tomorrow to get the Island cleaned up as best they can before the holiday,” he said.

The union is to meet Government officials next week in a joint consultation meeting over pay.

“Hopefully this can be resolved by early or middle of next week,” said Mr. Furbert.