Civil servant Ida (not her full name) was about to leave home for work when she received a jolt after coming out from her house one early morning recently. Rubbish and other domestic waste were seen strewn about in front of her house and that of her immediate neighbors.

"Probably the stray cats and dogs got to it during the night. The waste has been piling up over the last couple of weeks, as the garbage collecting trucks fail to turn up," she told this writer.

Ida and her neighbors along Jalan 11/9, Green Valley Park of Bandar Tasik Puteri, are all facing the same predicament. So are residents in other neighborhoods in this housing estate. And they are not alone, as reports say residents in other municipalities are also affected by poor garbage collection service.

Ceased Operations

The media recently reported that Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire that formerly handled waste collection and disposal, had ceased work as of Oct 16 last year. Since then, the Selangor state government via the state authorities has taken over garbage collection and cleaning services in the state.

"Before, the collection was scheduled for three times a week. Now the residents are fortunate if the garbage truck turns up even once in a week.

"In recent weeks, the domestic waste collection has been very inconsistent," said Ida.

According to Ida and the other residents of Bandar Tasik Puteri, the takeover by the Selangor government of garbage collection service appears to be causing problems. Another resident, Abdul Rahim Abdul Hamid, said he has to dispose his own household garbage, as he does not anticipate the garbage truck to turn up regularly.

"These days, the garbage truck only comes once a week if we are lucky enough. At times, the rubbish is not collected for the weeks," he said.
   
   
Health Concerns
   
Another resident, a general practitioner who wanted to be identified as Dr Amin, said if waste is not properly managed, especially excreta and liquid and solid waste from households and the community, serious health hazards.

"Uncollected garbage can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Unattended waste lying around attracts flies, rats, and other creatures that in turn spread diseases," he said.

According to Dr Amin, normally it is the wet waste that decomposes and releases a bad odor. He said the local authorities should be fully ready when they are required to take over the garbage collection and be able to anticipate problems that can arise.

"This issue (uncollected garbage) leads to unhygienic conditions and thereby to a rise in health problems. A disease outbreak can occur," he added.


Bad for Business
   
A restaurant operator at the Green Valley Business Area said mounting pile of uncollected rubbish has been affecting his business.

"There is a big rubbish bin located near my restaurant. In the past, Alam Flora trucks regularly collected and disposed of the waste. But lately, no garbage collection workers turn up and the mounting pile of uncollected garbage is emitting a strong stench that has turned away many of my customers.

"Who wants to have a meal if there is a strong stench lingering around," he said.

He is among the restaurant and stall operators affected by the piles of uncollected garbage in that area.

The issue of uncollected garbage has been highlighted by the print and electronic media, as this is also happening in other parts of Selangor.
   
   
Hotline

Meanwhile, the media reported that the Selangor government will provide a hotline for residents to air their complaints over garbage and collection services. However this toll-free line can only be used from Jan 17.

The media quoted the State Executive Councilor in charge of local councils Ronnie Liu as saying that the 1-800-88-2824 will be manned from 8am to 6pm daily.

"All complaints made during operating hours will be dealt with immediately, with contractors sent to the location to clear and dispose the garbage.

"Complaints made after 6pm will be dealt with the next day," he told reporters after a state executive council meeting recently.

The hotline is expected to enable the state to determine the percentage of complaints resolved and response time.

He said the public can also make use of the hotline to complain to local councils if they find them inefficient in handling rubbish collection and solid waste management services in their areas.


- Bernama