MCC warns irresponsible contractors face termination
MIRI: The Miri City Council (MCC) has warned that contractors who fail to carry out their jobs responsibly could face termination.
Councillor Aries Leong said MCC had initially awarded contracts to new and younger contractors to give opportunities and encourage them.
“The tender contracts covered cutting grass, drainage system (including drain cleaning and manhole covers), and road resurfacing and maintenance. However, their performances are still far below expectation,” he told thesundaypost yesterday.
“It is quite a disappointment, because at the end of the day, the people would still point fingers at the city council to take responsibility and, therefore, we need to take action by awarding the contract to companies willing to get the job done.”
Leong pointed out many roads that need to be resurfaced and maintained, while flood-prone areas require funds to resolve.
“The city council cannot work alone. We need good cooperation between MCC and contractors to make it happen.”
He also clarified that the value of the contracts was based on the tenders submitted and approved.
“Therefore, lower payments would definitely be just rumours,” he said.
Among the complaints received were frequently damaged or stolen manhole and drain covers.
“We never know when an accident might occur even when we walk with careful steps on the street, and the manhole cover that has been damaged or stolen could be very hazardous,” complained a resident who did not want to be named.
In response, Leong said MCC would rectify the problem after receiving a report.
“For road manholes, the best
The tender contracts covered cutting grass, drainage system (including drain cleaning and manhole covers), and road resurfacing and maintenance. However, their performances are still far below expectation. — Councillor Aries Leong
option is using iron covers and screwing it into the ground to prevent theft, while for drain covers, usually, concrete covers are used due to countless thefts. Hence, the solution we’ve taken is for the long term, which is to prevent theft,” he added.
“Manhole covers that are damaged or disappear are the result of action by irresponsible people. This causes a lot of trouble for the city council because replacing the facility means using taxpayers’ money.”
He called on the public to report acts of vandalism so immediate action could be taken.