This article apeared in The Star and I have always had the view that we have too many layers giving contracts and these people do not do anything. We need to stop this to lower the costs. The local councils must also start to earn their keeps. Let's hope with this, we can keep cost lower and also do a better job.

Until the next time, cheers.

The Star, Tuesday August 9, 2011

The cleaning begins

Effective Aug 1, the local authorities have taken over cleaning services from Alam Flora. StarMetro speaks to the various councils and some residents about the change.

KAJANG Municipal Council president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said the council would take over the management of public cleaning contractors from Alam Flora.

Not complete: Only a part of this drain in Kajang has been cleaned.

 

“The current 116 contractors will continue to work for an interim period of three months.

“Some 2,158 contractors, including the existing ones, have applied for public cleaning duties during the open tender,” he said.

He added that the contractors would be monitored during the three months and those not up to the mark would be replaced.

With the change of management, Mohamad Nazrin Mohd Ibarin, a supervisor for cleaning duties in Kajang, hoped they could receive their payments on time.

“Alam Flora did not pay us on time, there were times when the payment was delayed for two to three months.

“I have five workers under my supervision and all I can do is to ask them to be patient when the payment is late.

“We hope the council can have a fixed date for payments and adhere to it,” he said.

However, many residents are unaware of the change.

Taman Sungai Chua resident Eric Seow was in the dark over the transition and hoped the contractors would perform better under the council’s management.

“The grass in front of our houses are properly cut but our backlanes are overgrown with grass. Maybe the grass-cutters don’t feel comfortable with the residents’ dogs in the backyard.

“Only time will tell if the change of management will lead to better results,” he said.

Fellow Kajang resident Chan Yong Niok, 57, was also unaware of the change and hoped the contractors could clean the drains thoroughly instead of cleaning only part of the drains.

“Drains overflow during heavy downpours. I have told them to clean it thoroughly but to no avail,” he said.