Lacking sensitivity

Lacking sensitivity

From Warta Kota

Some time ago the Jakarta administration was involved in a
conflict over garbage-related problems in the city. The conflict
has occurred as the city administration doesn't pay attention to
the health and infrastructure problems facing the residents
living near the Bantar Gebang dump in Bekasi. As a result the
locals refused to let their area become a dumping site for the
city's garbage.

After reading a news story about hundreds of garbage truck
drivers and conductors going on strike (Warta Kota, April 17), as
a city resident I feel really concerned and sad to know that some
drivers have been forced to use their own money to purchase used
tires so as to keep their trucks operating. They have done so
because there is no money in the 2001 city budget for the
replacement of garbage truck tires.

I therefore call on the city administration:

* To immediately fulfill the truck drivers' demands for new
tires. Don't give them empty promises. Their demands are
reasonable. Moreover, damaged tires can endanger their safety and
won't facilitate their work.

* To hold a transparent tender for the garbage truck tire
replacement project if it is true that the uncertainty about tire
replacement is the result of many parties vying with each other
for the project. Not to mention that a number of city councillors
have got their own men involved as well.

* As a good leader, the Jakarta governor should be aware about
how his officials are performing and immediately deal with any
problems that arise. The garbage truck drivers have been
protesting about their bald tires since the end of March.

TAUFIK ZAHRONY

Jakarta