Local contractors appointed to collect waste from 11 villages in Upper Padawan

Dr Jerip (sixth right) poses for a photo with Julius (on Dr Jerip's left), Ling (fourth right) and community leaders.

By Jacob Achoi

KUCHING, Jan 16: Eleven villages in Upper Padawan from Anah and Tebia areas will have proper rubbish disposal services with local contractors now appointed for the task.

Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the idea came to light after he noticed that Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd could not collect rubbish in these villages due to winding roads.

The Mambong assemblyman said the contractors for each village will have to collect the rubbish from their respective village and transport it to two collection centres at Kpg Annah Rais and Kpg Abang for Trienekens to collect.

“For the 11 villages in Upper Padawan, there will be proper rubbish disposal with the appointment of the local contractors chosen by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

“I hope that the job will be carried out properly to keep the villages clean and hygienic,” Dr Jerip said today, after witnessing the awarding of contracts to the contractors at the Padawan sub-district office.

According to him, the initiative will benefit a total of about 800 households, where each village is to be provided with two rubbish bins.

Dr Jerip pointed out that the contractors will have to collect and transport the rubbish twice a week to the collection centres, failing which stern action be taken against them.

He did not mince his words, saying that the contractors will be terminated immediately should they fail to carry out their duty according to schedule.

“This is government money through my Minor Rural Project (allocation) and the money should be spent accordingly,” he said, adding that initiative will incur a cost of RM132,480 for this year.

Sarawak Administrative Officer from Padawan sub-district office Julius Scott Sapong, who was also present said it was the first such initiative in Sarawak where the local community is involved in providing proper rubbish disposal.

Julius will also help to oversee the rubbish disposal by the contractors.

Also present was Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) secretary Rita Ling. — DayakDaily