IAM to streamline ‘new’ eight core functions from Monday

[Photo: Renato Marques]

The reorganization of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) will take effect on Monday (June 1). At that time, the bureau will focus exclusively on eight core functions, as recently announced by the newly re-elected chairman, Chao Wai Ieng.

Chao emphasized that although the bureau has new core functions, narrowing its scope of action, all staff rights will be safeguarded.

The new duties, approved by the Executive Council (ExCo), stipulate that the reorganized bureau’s eight core functions shall comprise: the provision of integrated services; cultural, recreational, and civic education activities; food safety; animal and market stall management; landscaping; municipal infrastructure maintenance; and municipal management supervision.

Certain functions, specifically road and drainage network maintenance, the naming of public places, and the assignment of door numbers, will be transferred to the Transport and Public Works portfolio.

As a result of this optimized organizational structure and the transfer of selected functions, the bureau will be streamlined from its current complement of 12 departments and 36 divisions to eight departments and 19 divisions, a reduction of four departments and 17 divisions.

Chao, reappointed as IAM chairman by a Wednesday executive order, told the bureau’s plenary meeting yesterday that, in response to the new structure and functions, including the creation of a Municipal Management Department, the bureau has held multiple briefing sessions since last year to explain the future framework.

“Including myself, relevant leadership, and supervisors, we have met face-to-face with staff to address their concerns about these changes,” Chao said, adding that the bureau has been closely monitoring the psychological pressure employees may face under the functional adjustments.

He urged employees to understand the new functional structure and perform their duties effectively to ensure a smooth transition, noting that the reorganization includes training staff for new roles.

Meanwhile, the ExCo approved the administrative regulation for the “Organization and Operation of the Public Works Bureau (DSOP),” which will lead the bureau to undergo a similar restructuring starting Monday.

Under the changes, its organizational structure will be adjusted from its current setup of one director, two deputy directors, three departments, and 10 divisions to one director, two deputy directors, five departments, and 10 divisions. The total number of authorized positions will increase from 174 to 176.

Authorities had earlier noted that the DSOP’s current functions are closely related to certain functions, processes, and operations of the IAM, with some overlap or duplication. Consequently, responsibility for road and drainage network maintenance will be transferred to the DSOP to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the relevant procedures.