KUCHING: Some 150 contractors, local-authority officers and other industry participants are attending a two-day seminar aimed at improving standards for landscaping, grass-cutting and drain-cleaning works in Kuching North.
The seminar, organised by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), focuses on work specifications, contract scope, implementation standards, quality control and occupational safety.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who officiated at the opening ceremony, said a well-maintained city must be safe as well as clean and attractive.
“Safety does not only involve the safety of city residents. It also involves the security of public property, including the landscaped areas provided by the government for the prosperity and beauty of the city.”
He called on the public to work with DBKU to address vandalism affecting public facilities and landscaping.
“This is our challenge, and we must tackle it together. We need to find the best way to overcome the problem so that Sarawak’s prosperity can be sustained from time to time.”
Dr Abdul Rahman said Sarawak’s growing international profile made it important to maintain the state’s appearance for visitors, particularly foreign tourists.
“We want the beauty of this state to continue to be preserved so that visitors can see the best environment Sarawak has to offer.”
DBKU said the July 14-15 seminar was held to ensure that contractors and implementing officers shared a common understanding of the standards expected for maintenance works.
“Landscape maintenance, grass-cutting and drain-cleaning are not merely routine tasks. They are at the forefront of ensuring that the city remains clean, beautiful, safe and healthy,” DBKU said in the director’s speech text.
The commission said it had received public complaints about inconsistent maintenance work, including debris from drain cleaning left on road shoulders and work that did not meet specifications.
“One of the main focuses of this seminar is to clarify the true definition of work that is considered fully completed.”
DBKU said clear standards would help ensure works met contractual specifications at the first attempt, reducing corrective work, costs and delays.
The programme includes theory sessions, field training, open dialogues and demonstrations of maintenance methods that comply with DBKU standards.
Also present were DBKU mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman and DBKU director Ramzi Abdillah.
