Clean up after grass-cutting, drain-clearing, MBKS tells contractors

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By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 25: Contractors and their workers have been urged to perform housekeeping, especially cleaning and tidying up and disposing of all debris properly, after grass-cutting and drain-clearing. 

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng warned that contractors who fail to perform up to expectations will face early termination as well as be blacklisted by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government and the information shared across all city councils, Resident Offices as well as the Contractor and Consultant Registration Unit (UPKJ). 

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“MBKS has received a lot of complaints through various channels on improper grass-cutting and drain-clearing works including grass not thoroughly cut, cut grass being left unattended on roadsides after work, drains not properly cleared and so on.

“I believe it is not a difficult task and moreover, these are the requirements that must be complied with. While I understand there may be problems and issues in the past two years due to (pandemic) restrictions and shortage of workers and resources, but that is over,” he said. 

Wee said this during a briefing for contractors undertaking grass-cutting and drain-clearing maintenance projects in areas within MBKS’ jurisdiction at the MBKS headquarters here today. 

Urging contractors to not take their responsibility lightly or for granted, he reminded the contractors that the tasks include cleaning and tidying up debris which must also be properly disposed of after work. 

“That’s why we are calling this session today so that we can work together, understand more and make our city beautiful, clean and free from disease like dengue. 

“This is not to blame anybody but communications must be established on both sides to reach the outcome. We are in this as a team,” he added. 

Wee emphasised that contractors must carry out their work with integrity and a high code of ethics in order to minimise non-compliance, otherwise MBKS will not hesitate to take action by giving demerit points which could lead to the contractors not only being terminated but blacklisted. 

“I am very sure you already understand the contracts upon signing where you must know the conditions of the site and there should be no excuse that there were no instructions given for weeding, desilting drains or culverts, weep hole cleaning and grass-cutting to specific length.

“Contractors who have performed well will be considered for extension as we have informed the ministry that we will soon introduce a one-plus-one contract which will make things easier for contractors instead of having to go through all the tedious procedures of tender year after year. So it is up to you to prove your capability,” he said. 

Wee also urged contractors to brief and supervise their workers to ensure they carry out work according to guidelines, while also ensuring the workers’ safety. 

He also encouraged the contractors to voice out and put forward any problems or issues faced so that they can be dealt with and possible solutions can be reached. 

“As the council in charge of Kuching South, we are providing services to residents and ensure the areas within the jurisdiction are properly maintained. Close cooperation between different stakeholders are significant to ensure service quality, public satisfaction and on-time delivery,” he added. — DayakDaily