SIBU: In its previous committee meeting on Public Health and Environment, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) had agreed to implement the policy of not allowing residents in residential or housing areas within the SRDC jurisdiction to plant vegetation like banana tree, coconut tree, fruit tree or vegetable at the road verge in front of their house.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the planting of such trees was not only an eyesore to the landscape in the residential areas but also causes other problems like drain blockage or damage (by the roots).
“Besides, our council contractors are having difficulties in doing their job like cleaning, flushing and clearing the blockages in the drain because of such plants.
“As for banana tree, the banana leaf can contain water and become a breeding ground for Aedes. As such, the council since February last year had issued and distributed notices on the prohibition of tree planting at the road verges in Sibujaya.
“Hence, I hope the residents in the area can voluntarily cut down and clear all their fruit trees or vegetable plants,” he said.
Sempurai said this during the SRDC meeting held at its meeting room here yesterday.
For this year 2018, the council will continue to clear the vegetation near the residential houses from lane to lane.
“I seek the assistance of Sibujaya zone councillors to work together with the council’s Public Health Section and also the Neighborhood Committee in the area to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy,” he said.
On the prohibition of livestock in front or the back lane of houses at Sibujaya, including fighting cocks, Sempurai said that KRDC had already issued reminders to the residents.
He informed that the council will conduct an operation next month to enforce the Cleanliness By-Law and Local Authority Ordinance on Nuisance to remove and dismantle illegal cages erected in front or the back of houses.
He said the operation will be conducted jointly with SRDC Enforcement Unit, Public Health and Sibujaya police.
“This time, we will not compromise with errant residents who still rear chickens, ducks or other livestock.
“I urge residents who have been suffering from foul smell and flies from chicken rearing for years to report to us so that we can take stern action accordingly,” he said.
Sempurai hoped that all residents within SRDC jurisdiction could work together with the council towards an excellent, fast and efficient service.
“Without the co-operation of the people, it will be hard for the council to achieve its mission and vision,” he concluded.
