KUCHING: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) has opened rate-paying counters during the weekends for the convenience of ratepayers.
According to its chairman Datuk Peter Minos, the counters are at public centres on the popular request of ratepayers here.
He added that the counters opened on weekends to improve rate payments by residents.
“Now, there are only 70 per cent who have paid and we are targeting at least 90 per cent.
“The rates are badly needed in order for us to do public services like grass cutting, street-cleaning, scavenging, desludging, drain-cleaning and so on,” he said in a statement yesterday (Feb 11).
Meanwhile, on the waste collection issue, he admitted that there are serious service disruptions due to the abrupt closure of the MPKS landfill by the authority near Kpg Plaie.
“Now, Samarahan’s waste is sent to Trienekens Mambong which is over 60 km from Sadong Jaya and this affects contractor’s collection schedules and work programmes.
“However, the contractor was already directed by MPKS to do special spring clearing and to clear all outstanding waste and revert to normal collection schedules.
“Hence, by Feb 15, this must be done. No two ways about it as waste must be collected. No excuses to be entertained,” he said.
On another matter regarding a claim made by an individual in Samarahan about doing on his own accord a short tar-sealing of a nearby road, Minos clarified that it is established public policy that any tar-sealing or any job must first be approved by a local council in addition to payment for the job.
“It cannot be a private individual doing and paying for a job first and making claims on the council later. This must be made very clear to all.”
He added that a job request cannot be done or be delayed for many reasons such as being short of funds and doing priority jobs elsewhere.
“A fair and legitimate job is always done if first approved and its fund is provided for.”
In line with this, he admitted that it is tough running a local council especially if there are real constraints of funds, manpower and demand placed.
“It is overwhelming when there are political parties instigating local residents to make improper claims and compensations for unauthorised jobs. This makes life very difficult for any local council.
“Moreover, it is a council’s job and duty to meet any reasonable and fair request of a local resident, on top of doing its statutory duties to residents in its jurisdiction.
“Nevertheless, as for MPKS itself, if any staff is found not up to expectation or negligent, any resident can see and meet the chairman anytime, anywhere for appeal or giving input or complaint.
“MPKS in fact appreciates complaints and inputs as MPKS cannot possibly monitor everything in its area,” he said.
