Forwarded by Leo Odera Omolo
From: Vorster Forb Management
It is with deep regret that Sony Sugar farmers and employees are engulfed with mayhem of myriad problems occasioned by continuous factory breakdown and poor management communication systems.
The factory conducted maintenance in May/June 2010 at an average cost of Kes,600,000,000/- Reliable sources within the management highlighted that it was single sourced without going through the tender board committee. Factory maintenance project was finalised end of June 2010, and the factory began its operational activities beginning July 1, 2010. Surprisingly, after the maintenance it has had erratic operational existence and below its capacity which means that the maintenance was not adequately done by the contractor despite financing the same project for Kes.600,000,000/-
Contracted cane farmers are going beyond the contract period without seeking redress for breach of the contract from the management.
Last week Thursday, 19 August 2010, the factory ceased to operate whilst averagely 140,000 tonnage of canes valued Kes, 400,000,000/- were in the weigh bridge and some were in the loaded tractors queueing for off load. Going with the current drought being experienced in the lake region it is highly likely
that the sucrose ingredient of the harvested cane will melt at high rate leaving the cane with little or no tonnage. Consequently losses suffered will be
transferred to farmers.
Our question is who should be responsible for this mess? and what action does the Government take to this kind of person(s)? Why should factory maintenance valued Kes, 600,000,000/- be single sourced without going through the normal tender board committee as per Public Procurement Act.?
Unionizable employees have also highlighted their predicaments regarding negative attitude of top management of the company.
Going with global modernization in the operation of public Limited Companies such Sony Sugar Co. Ltd. We expect alot of flexibility,free interaction between top Management middle and other staff members for smooth continuity of work. Top management should create time to discuss problems faced by middle management and other staff. This will embrace good culture in work station which consequently increases
individual productivity as middle class will be enticed and feel that they are part and parcel of the system in place and motivation will be enhanced.
Cane growers are also concern about delay to increase cost price per tonne from Kes, 2,850/- to 3,181/- and demanding explanation on the same from management while this increment should have taken effect from September 2009. What does management say about it?
By BOB AWITI – ATANGE URIRI CONSTITUENCY
CONCERN STAKEHOLDER