Ramky Enviro Engineers, the private conservancy operator working in three zones in the city, has announced a hike in wages for its employees to cope with the problem of labour absenteeism. Wages for sweepers have been increased from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 5,550 per month. A tricycle helper will get Rs. 5,850 instead of the earlier Rs. 5,000. Wages for compactor helpers have been increased from Rs. 5,850 to Rs. 7,300. A heavy vehicle driver will now earn Rs. 10,250 instead of Rs. 8,000. Light vehicle drivers will get Rs. 8,100 against Rs. 6,900 earned previously.
This follows a series of events that occurred after the Chennai Corporation on Monday commenced conservancy work in ward nos. 110 and 112 in Teynampet zone which were earlier under Ramky. The civic body employed more than 150 new conservancy labourers with higher wages of Rs. 247 per day in the two wards.
Even though the Corporation has warned the private conservancy operator that it would take over conservancy work in ward nos.127 and128 in the Kodambakam zone and ward nos.170 and174 in the Adyar zone on Wednesday, this is yet to be implemented.
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The roads covered include those adjacent to some stretches of Poonamallee High Road, Padavattamman Koil Street, Kaliamman Koil Street and Gangaiamman Koil Street among others.
Senior officials of the civic body on Friday commenced inspection of conservancy operations in the three zones of Teynampet, Kodambakkam and Adyar. The decision to take over the four wards will be taken after obtaining feedback from the officials.