CLEANSING WORKERS (Recruits)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Health (a) how many daily-rated cleansing workers have been recruited since the "Keep Singapore Clean" campaign which began last year; (b) whether there is any need to recruit more workers; and (c) whether he is satisfied with their performances.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Since the commencement of the "Keep Singapore Clean" campaign on 1st October, 1968, to 31st August, 1969, an additional 200 daily-rated cleansing workers were recruited into the service to provide for a full seven days' cleansing service per week. The actual strength of the cleansing workers as on 1st September, 1969, was 4,033. There are 919 vacancies due to resignations, dismissals, etc., and action is being taken to fill them. It is considered that the full complement of 4,952 workers will be sufficient at the present time to maintain a reasonable standard of cleansing services. In 1970-71 it is estimated that an increase of about 930 labourers' posts will be required based on additional built-up areas, new housing estates and streets which will have to be taken over for service by the Public Cleansing Branch. In particular, there is a need to provide a better service in the Jurong Industrial Estate where at the moment only the Town Centre is serviced.

The performances of the cleansing workers have improved considerably since the reorganisation of the cleansing services in August 1968. This is evidenced by the increase of the average daily tonnage of refuse collected from 800 tons to 1,200 tons. They are better disciplined as a result of better supervision by supervisory staff who were put through a course of instruction on leadership and man-management techniques organised in co-operation with the Police Academy. Further improvement in the performance of workers can be expected following the introduction of a scheme of monetary awards to be given to those who are hard working and who contribute towards greater efficiency and productivity in the services.

Studies of the norms for labourers were also undertaken by the Public Cleansing Branch and many of the labourers' beats are being lengthened. This is possible due to better disposal of litter and refuse into receptacles by the public. An increase in productivity and savings in manpower will result from this exercise of lengthening the beats.