KUCHING, Jan 3: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) has given existing scavenging contractors an additional three months from today to resolve internal issues after being repeatedly instructed and warned to strictly adhere to contractual obligations and weekly waste collection schedules, said its chairman Datuk Peter Minos.
In a press statement, Minos emphasised that the main issue is that MPKS is dealing with a group of scavenging contractors who are also having issues as the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted workers and scheduled collections, and after the pandemic, there are still significant difficulties in obtaining workers and drivers, primarily from Indonesia.
He also noted that the rains have now affected the waste collection schedules, in addition to the disruptions caused by the sudden relocation of the dumping ground from the overfilled Kampung Plaie landfill in Kota Samarahan to the distant Mambong landfill in Kota Padawan, the ongoing drivers and workers shortage problem, and other manpower shortages.
“MPKS does not want to hear excuses from its contractors, and public interests and services come first.
“So the existing scavenging contractors have three months from today to clear things up internally and shape up, and there will be no more excuses, failing which MPKS will be forced to relook and review things and matters. This is final and firm.
“MPKS cannot allow the ratepaying public to be shoddily treated. MPKS also cannot allow recalcitrant contractors to inconvenience the public and embarrass MPKS,” he claimed.
Minos also reiterated that the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and its new rescue contractors are working hard on the ongoing Jalan Kuching-Samarahan Expressway project, which is expected to be completed in Nov 2023.
“However, in attempting to solve the daily massive traffic jam problems at the roundabouts, there are unavoidable new problems, including some traffic jams and thus some public inconveniences.
“JKR and its contractors are doing everything possible to reduce traffic congestion, including working with traffic police when necessary and working at night when the roads are least used, as they informed MPKS, and the Council understands and appreciates this.
“MPKS hopes that the general public will understand and exercise patience. Please give patience and peace to JKR and its contractors as they work to complete the project by Nov at the latest. If earlier, the better,” he remarked. — DayakDaily
