SMRT to outsource more maintenance work
PUBLISHED 6 HOURS AGO
Christopher TanSenior Transport Correspondent
SINGAPORE - Transport operator SMRT is outsourcing more non-rail maintenance work to improve the speed and quality of such work.
Since October's tunnel flooding at Bishan - which was traced to lapses in pump maintenance - the Temasek-owned company has outsourced the servicing of tunnel pumps.
It also intends to outsource the maintenance of MRT station air-conditioning and tunnel ventilation systems - adding to an already long list of work which is handled by external contractors.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, SMRT director of building and facilities Siu Yow Wee said the move does not mean the company is washing its hands of risks associated with poor maintenance.
"We will not outsource our responsibility away," Mr Siu said. "In tandem with the outsourcing move, SMRT maintenance staff will step up to supervisory or inspection roles."
He explained that outsourcing allows SMRT to fix defects across its network more speedily.
"Engaging an external contractor - some of whom are original equipment manufacturers - allows us to work on multiple sites concurrently as we can mobilise the contractor's manpower," he added.
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http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...intenance-work
Looks like more SMRT workers will be sacked .