Lorry Blockade at Mare-Chicose Landfill Triggers Police Probe and Urgent Talks

Urgent negotiations are underway today to resolve a blockade at the Mare-Chicose landfill site after contract lorry drivers halted operations over a deepening financial dispute.

The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change confirmed on Friday, 17 April, that it is closely monitoring the stand-off between the site operator, a joint venture between Sotravic and Strata, and the independent contractors.

The protest has severely disrupted the transport of wastewater to treatment centres and obstructed access to the landfill.

Police Intervention

Authorities have escalated the matter following the obstruction of public access routes.

A formal complaint has been lodged at the Cent-Gaulettes Police Station regarding the blockade, which began early Friday, 17 April.

The Ministry stated it is working in collaboration with the operator to ensure a “resumption of operations as soon as possible.”

Payment Disputes and Operational Tensions

The protesting drivers, who are contracted by Sotravic/Strata to transport wastewater, cited unpaid arrears and mounting tensions regarding the management of their daily operations as the primary reasons for the industrial action.

By physically blocking the entrances to the Mare-Chicose site, the contractors have effectively brought waste management logistics in the area to a standstill.

Background to the Conflict

The current management contract for the landfill was awarded to the Sotravic/Strata joint venture on 28 June 2024.

While the Ministry of Environment continues to mediate between the private firm and the drivers, the duration of the disruption remains uncertain.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing negotiations to clear the access roads and restore essential sanitation services.

Source: Defi Media