Albert Food Centre Tray Return Area Looks Unsightly
UPDATE (2.52pm, 14 Mar): In response to queries by MS News, NEA said that they have looked into the table-cleaning operations on 10 Mar with the Hawkers’ Association and their appointed table-cleaning contractor.
The contractor had requested more cleaning manpower, and though they were able to handle the lunchtime crowd, they “experienced some temporary difficulty” during dinnertime.
NEA said the contractor and association will look into tightening the workflow to better manage workload during peak hours.
The agency also urged customers to be patient with cleaners.
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Since the National Environment Agency (NEA) made it mandatory to return trays after meals, diners have been doing so at hawker centres and coffee shops.
However, management of the situation appears to be difficult at some hawker centres, notably Albert Food Centre.
A user on Complaint Singapore posted the scene at Albert Food Centre on Friday (10 Mar), with trays overflowing and numerous trays unreturned.
Source: Complaint Singapore on Facebook
Comments noted that there appeared to be a lack of cleaners at the hawker centre.
“Sad situation” at Albert Food Centre tray return stations
The OP, Kong MaLa, noted the “sad situation” at Albert Food Centre with accompanying images of the tray return stations and surrounding tables.
While one tray return station wasn’t overflowing, there were stacks upon stacks of uncleaned utensils.
Source: Facebook
At another tray return station, the situation appeared direr, with refuse lying around the area.
Source: Facebook
There were also abandoned trays on numerous tables, purportedly from diners who didn’t return their trays after eating.
This included tables located right next to the tray return station.
Source: Facebook
The post was captioned, “1st world country with 3rd world Hawker Centre and people”.
Apparent lack of cleaners at hawker centres
Numerous comments, including MS News readers, noted the situation as being partially due to fewer cleaners.
Source: Facebook
Many cleaners are also elderly, they said.
Others pointed out that several hawker centres, such as Hong Lim Food Centre, are facing similar issues, although pictures weren’t provided.
Source: Facebook
Although returning trays is mandatory, one person suggested an exception if the tray return station is already full, as the mess is becoming a common, unsightly issue.
Source: Facebook
NEA urge customers to be patient with cleaners
In response to queries by MS News, NEA said Hawkers’ Association had anticipated a surge in diners on 10 Mar, and requested more cleaning manpower from their appointed table-cleaning contractor to be deployed.
Though cleaners could cope with lunchtime hour crowds, there was some temporary difficulty during dinnertime at one section of the food centre.
“The racks at this section were cleared shortly when the cleaners were able to better manage their workload,” NEA said.
NEA said they also understand that the Hawkers’ Association and their appointed table-cleaning contractor will look into better managing the increased workload, especially during peak hours.
At the same time, the agency urged customers to be patient with cleaners, many of whom are elderly and trying their best to provide diners with a clean dining space.
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Featured image adapted from Facebook.Â
