Garbage is still littering parts of the Island almost two weeks after crews staged a day of industrial action.

Some householders say that as well as suffering the stench the refuse is now attracting rats.

A resident of Tucker’s Town told The Royal Gazette yesterday that trash was even piling up outside the homes of the rich and famous. The man, who did not wish to be named, said: “There’s rats running around all over the place.”

Residents of St. George’s and Pembroke have also reported bags lining the roadsides, 12 days after garbage crews walked out over pay. One woman in North Shore Road said: “It’s deeply disturbing in this weather that trash is being left out for such a long time. I’m scared it will attract rats.”

The Government hired six private contract vehicles at the weekend in an attempt to clear the backlog, but various roads across the Island remain uncollected.

Permanent Secretary of Works and Engineering, Dr. Derrick Binns, said last night: “We made good progress over the weekend with the assistance of a private contractor. Most major roads were cleared, but some private estate roads and smaller roads were not.

“The contractor worked across the entire Island, beginning in the West on Saturday, then in the East on Sunday. I do not yet have the zones that were not collected over the weekend and we do not have the total cost yet.

“The collection crews returned to regular operations this morning. Therefore, we expect that all trash will be cleared this week. Talks continue with the union, including today.”

Since the walk-out on May 17, Government has advised householders to take their garbage to the Tyne’s Bay Waste Treatment Facility.

At the weekend it also set up eight temporary disposal spots at: Rocky Hill Park, St. George’s; Great Head, St. David’s; Western Car Park and Spittal Pond Nature Reserves, Smith’s; Warwick Post Office; Southampton Rangers Sports Club; Death Valley Park, Southampton; and the Belco hut in Dockyard.

Shadow Works and Engineering Minister Jon Brunson said last week that Government failure to clear the backlog by Bermuda Day was “unacceptable”. “This is one of Bermuda’s biggest holidays and to have the streets lined with trash is a disgrace,” he said.

The Bermuda Industrial Union is holding joint consultation meetings with Government representatives this week.