Frequency of trash collection stepped up

JAKARTA (JP): The city sanitation department has increased the frequency of garbage transportation by two to three times the normal rate in a bid to maintain cleanliness ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on Nov. 15.

Moh. Subasir, head of the office, said yesterday the increased frequency of garbage transportation will be focused between major roads and the city's waste dump through deployment of more garbage trucks.

Speaking to reporters about the city's effort to maintain cleanliness, Subasir said more modern garbage trucks will be stationed mainly on the major roads which convoys of delegates are expected to pass through.

"The priority is given to roads leading to conference venues, hotels they will be staying in and recreation facilities," he said.

However, this does not mean the officers will neglect other roads which the delegates will not pass through, he said, adding that all his officers have been briefed on how to handle the cleanliness during the APEC meeting.

He said garbage transportation will be handled by the sanitation department in cooperation with 17 private cleaning service companies.

"At least 1,157 personnel from the sanitation department and the 17 private firms will be deployed to help maintain the city's cleanliness during the APEC meeting," he said, "and the personnel will start building 24-hour command posts as of Nov. 13." (hhr)