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Overwhelming pile of work slows down public services
AG's office Puttalam: Brisk at work after the curfew was lifted. Pic by Hiran Priyankara
Government offices, in areas where the curfew was lifted during day and where restrictions have been relaxed, are struggling with a backlog built up over nine weeks.
District and Divisional Secretaries in some areas severely affected by the new coronavirus, had to even work into the night in some instances to reduce the backlog despite the curfew.
Gamapha District Secretary Sunil Jayalath, said that though the district remained under curfew, the state sector is providing essential services.
But some of the work has been halted since other government institutes had not been functioning for nearly one-and-a-half months, he said.
Only 25 to 50 percent staff is called to work for essential services.
Among the obstacles at the Gampaha Secretariat are instances when the office is unable to register the newly-retired who are eligible for pensions, because other government departments involved in issuing the paperwork have stopped working.
Mr Jayalath said driver tests for licences can not be held because it brings people into close contact.
He explained that even private and state sector employees are affected as most do not have proper transport services.
The Colombo District, too is under curfew, while a limited number of state and private sector employees returned to work this week.
People can expect a lengthy wait for services at public and private sector offices.
Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne, said that 13 Divisional Secretariats in the district along with the District Secretariat have begun work at weekends.
“Even the issuing of birth certificates has slowed down and they face difficulties to issue an average of 1,000 birth certificates a day,’’ he said.
Working hours have been extended and staff have been separated to carry out different tasks simultaneously.
He said although they are planning to provide mobile and online services it is difficult to do everything as one-day services have been stopped.
Mr Yasaratne said since the curfew has not been lifted in the district, services are offered with the available staff.
In other districts where the curfew was eased, people continue to stay at home.
Puttalam District, where coronavirus infected people were found, the curfew was relaxed.
The District Secretary L.J.M.G Chandarasiri, said the district secretariat and the divisional secretariats in Chilaw and Puttalam are to be kept open until 10 p.m.
He said staff have been separated into two groups and one group is assigned for the night shift.
Mr Chandrasiri said divisional secretaries have been asked to notify him if they need any assistance to clear the backlog of work. He said he is expecting their replies on Monday, May 18.
“We would help them if they have a backlog of work. However, I have already instructed them to work until 10 p.m. to issue documents needed for births, deaths and for drivers’ licenses,” he said.
But, divisional secretaries in Karuwalagaswewa, Mahawewa and other areas where people face the problem of wild elephants, have been asked to shut offices at 5 p.m.
He added that they have also have planned to open more offices if there is a greater backlog of work.
The private sector was also asked to open from 10 a.m.
Loudspeakers have been set up in city areas to educate people about social distancing and health tips to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
A committee including the police, municipality and District Secretariat officials has been set up to help maintain the social distance among vendors. While markets are not opened, vegetable vendors are allowed to sell by the side of streets. (see box story).
Religious places in Puttalam have been asked to remain closed.
The Headquarters Inspector (HQI) of Puttalam P. Kumaradasa, said that the police are trying to encourage people to keep their distance to minimise the coronavirus infection risk. They are using vehicles fitted with loudspeakers to spread the message.
He said that the police have allowed few private and state office to work till late if they are providing essential services.
“Whatever people are doing, they are requested to wear face masks at work. We have allowed the Puttalam cement factory to function during the night as well,” he said.
The police have increased patrols to make sure that people are keeping their distance when they go to work as well as engaging in essential work, Mr Kumaradasa said.
The Kalutara District Secretary U.D.C Jayalal asked that people keep their distance from each other although the curfew has been relaxed.
“We have to still follow Health Ministry guidelines, even though people are allowed to go to work,” he said.
He explained that more than 80 percent of state offices and private companies have begun work in Kalutara, while 90 percent of shops in markets are open after nearly three months of lockdown.
Mr Jayalal said that during the first day many people came for essential documents such as birth and death certificates.
“We had to open new counters at the entrance of the district secretariat to sort people and allow a few of them to come in at one time. We issued about 200 documents on Monday,’’ he said.
Distribution of goods by vehicle is still allowed. But documents for land and property is not being provided.
| Veggie vendors allowed street-side selling | |
| The Headquarters Inspector (HQI) of Puttalam P. Kumaradasa, told the Sunday Timesthat Puttalam Municipal Council and police have asked vegetable vendors in the market to sell goods by the roadside, because of crowding.“Vendors can sell their goods by the roadside in the city limits from Friday onwards. The people need to still maintain social distancing. People should not carry out business in congested areas,” he said. |