KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — The policy is no longer “sweep and go” for civilians vacating Okinawa base housing.
Notices were posted on the doors of military base quarters occupied by civilian government employees recently by the Kadena’s 718th Civil Engineering Squadron Housing Flight informing the occupants to thoroughly clean their quarters before moving.
There are about 400 U.S. civilians on Okinawa assigned government housing.
For the past five years, civilians were allowed to clear out of government housing after simply giving the premises a simple clean sweep. A professional Air Force-contracted crew then cleaned the residences before they were assigned to new tenants.
“The Air Force audited our ‘Clean and Clear Contract’ and found we were improperly administering the contract,” Lani Waikiki, the Housing Flight’s chief, said in the notice.
“Only personnel affected by temporary lodging allowance and or directed by the by the government to relocate due to a project is entitled a government cleaning of quarters,” she wrote.
“With that said, we must convert back to ensuring all civilian employees complete a full standard clean upon vacating government housing.”
Civilians should schedule “pre-termination” inspection briefings 30 to 45 days prior to moving out, she said. At that time they will be informed of the new cleaning standards and be given a compliance checklist.
She said the Housing Flight’s Facilities Branch maintains a list of professional cleaners if those vacating housing prefer not to do the required work themselves.
“We apologize for any convenience this may cause you and your family,” Waikiki wrote. “But we must comply with the Air Force standards put upon us.”
