The Executive Council of the Public Entity of Saba has decided to postpone the collection of the Garbage fee that was introduced in December of last year. The reason for the postponement is issues have been detected early in the distribution process, which refers back to the original ordinance. The legislation which dates from 2007 and on which the fee is based, is almost 5 years old, is vague and is in need of revision.
The billing process was based on meter information provided by the electricity company GEBE, so it may occur that the same residence might have received two bills. Persons that believed that they may have been incorrectly billed are urged to contact the Executive Council in writing so that their particular situation can be reviewed.
With the revision of the legislation, the Executive Council will also look into the possibility that persons will be able to pay their bills in instalments rather than a onetime payment, and also exemptions for persons on welfare and for churches etc.
In a public notice issued by the Council it states that collection will be postponed until the legislation has been properly revised to ensure that there is no ambiguity in the law and the collection of the fee can be executed in a smooth manner.
The Council also pointed out that the distribution of garbage bins, while part of the Waste Management Plan, is not linked to the garbage fee. The bins are provided to facilitate the garbage collection, while the fee is based on the actual garbage collection service.

Recently the Executive Council of the Public Entity of Saba met with a consultant, Koert van Buiren assigned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (ELI) to assist in setting up a new energy company for Saba, as outlined in the Share Transfer Agreement of October 27, 2011 between St Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. During his visit to the island Mr. Van Buiren was able to present his preliminary findings to the government of Saba and also discuss his analysis with the plant managers of GEBE.
One point in particular that is being investigated, is the potential for cost savings in energy production, in such a way that the new energy company will be able to produce and distribute energy on a reasonably profitable basis, without increasing the electricity rates and the burden for the population.
Another priority, in setting up the new energy company on Saba, is the introduction of wind energy and the relocation of the power plant to a safer location.
In order to provide reliable and affordable energy on Saba, the new company must operate on a reasonably profitable basis, so that necessary future investments, -like placing the distribution lines underground- and the quality of supply can be assured. -
The government of Saba, the employees of GEBE Saba, the consultant and ELI will work together on the basis of the Share Transfer Agreement, to ensure an independent, reliable and affordable energy supply on the island within a short period of time.
In the coming weeks, further meetings will take place between all parties involved, and a plan will be drawn up for the establishment of the new energy company for Saba.
The Executive Council in a statement said that they are “pleased” with the work done by Mr. Van Buiren and the main objective now is to negotiate with ELI to try and establish a profitable electricity company for the island, while at the same time ensuring that the rates that consumers pay for electricity do not increase.
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