Council members in Quito are challenging a newly implemented garbage collection fee that has doubled costs for residents, prompting a legal push for its suspension.
In Quito, residents have expressed significant concerns over a new garbage collection fee that has seen costs double for many households in the area. Over 50 neighborhoods have reported increases in their bills, with some residents noting they are facing charges that have spiked dramatically. For instance, one resident detailed an increase from about $1.93 to $17.03 on their electricity bill alone, which encompasses the garbage collection fees.
In response to these rising costs and public outcry, several opposition council members, including Wilson Merino and Michael Aulestia, have taken legal action by filing a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court. Their goal is to suspend the new fee structure and compel the municipal authorities to reevaluate their billing method. This legal move highlights the urgent economic strain placed on residents and the growing frustration with local governance regarding essential services.
The opposition's legal challenge reflects broader discontent towards the Quito municipality's management of public services and its financial impact on citizens. As this lawsuit progresses, it may not only affect the garbage collection fees but also set a precedent for how municipal charges are determined and executed in Ecuador, potentially influencing other municipalities facing similar issues.
