Recently, a private consulting firm, hired by the municipality, distributed a survey to gauge citizen satisfaction with the cleaning services in our country. The feedback was quite varied, but a common thread emerged: widespread dissatisfaction, particularly in heavily trafficked areas.
Despite half a century passing, the state of cleanliness remains abysmal -- from residents disposing of trash in grimy barrels outside their homes to filthy contractor vehicles carting it off to landfills or incinerators that fail to meet basic standards.
The state invests around a billion dollars annually in garbage collection, yet there has been no attempt to impose standards on either contractors or citizens. For instance, contractors have not been required to provide color-coded bins for different types of waste, nor have citizens been encouraged to sort their trash to facilitate recycling rather than merely burying it.
The survey’s focus on residents’ satisfaction with cleanliness is largely predictable, with a notable disparity between different areas. Effective environmental cleanliness demands a uniform commitment to public health, free from such discrimination.
The questionnaire also featured somewhat simplistic questions, with answers that were often obvious. For example, it inquired about the adequacy of garbage bins provided at residences, the process for reporting and replacing bins, and whether these bins are cleaned and sanitized -- questions that seemed out of touch with actual practices.
Few are aware of whom to contact for these services, and the notion of containers being regularly washed is almost laughable.
Additionally, there were questions about street sweepers and their pollution, with the answer being a resounding yes -- the sweepers are indeed large and notorious for their dust.
The survey also asked about the frequency of using municipal services for sewage pumping, clearing manholes, or handling small quantities of construction waste, yet many are unaware of these “free” services and how to access them.
Questions regarding the noise made by garbage trucks were also included. The trucks, known for their poor maintenance and considerable noise, are a nuisance to residents, particularly late at night.
The survey touched on the satisfaction with cleaners’ attire and performance. Given that cleaning contracts are awarded based on the lowest bids, it’s unsurprising that contractors cut corners. Monitoring their work during late hours or peak heat times is impractical for residents.
Is there any accountability on the part of citizens regarding waste management, considering the enormous sums spent on modern disposal methods? One question broached the idea of citizens paying fees to enhance cleanliness in their areas, suggesting that such fees could also involve citizens in overseeing the work of cleaning contractors.
The issue of waste management is intricate and multifaceted, requiring thorough study and thoughtful solutions. Despite previous claims of obstruction by the National Assembly, the departure of the Assembly has not resolved the problem, indicating possible unseen forces at play.
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