KUCHING, Oct 26: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Batu Kitang branch chairman Abdul Aziz Isa is urging the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) to push for the main contractor of the 6th Mile flyover project to complete the flyover first, instead of temporarily closing the traffic light junction at 6th Mile Jalan Penrissen to upgrade and resurface a section of the road.
Following numerous feedback from the public about the temporary closure at the traffic light junction at 6th Mile Jalan Penrissen, which has caused massive traffic jams especially during peak hours, he questioned the rationale of the main contractor to temporarily close that junction when the contractor should have completed the construction of the flyover first.
Abdul Aziz said if the main contractor were to complete the flyover first, the traffic congestion along that particular area could be relieved and road users will have an alternative to use the flyover when the traffic light junction at 6th Mile Jalan Penrissen is closed temporarily.
“I have discussed this issue with a few engineers just to get their feedback and they could not comprehend as to why the main contractor decided to do two things at one time whereas the traffic flow can be run smoothly if they complete the first task before moving to the second one.
“It’s true that it takes two to tango but it doesn’t work that way when it comes to the construction of the flyover,” he said in a statement today.
Abdul Aziz, who is also the special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR Sarawak) should monitor the project and ensure that any actions taken should be decided holistically.
He added that JKR Sarawak should take into account of the traffic management, time qualify management, cost-benefit analysis as well as the road traffic safety of the project.
Apart from that, Abdul Aziz said MPP should collaborate with JKR Sarawak on road projects which falls under its jurisdiction.
“I understand that MPP does not have direct control over road projects under JKR Sarawak, nevertheless, S.119(m) of the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 stipulates that the Council has the duty of care to ensure the safety and convenience of the public on any public road within its jurisdiction.
“The provision gives MPP the discretionary power to do what is necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of the public on any public road within its jurisdiction.
“Having said that, I would like to propose for MPP to come up with its own initiative to form a Joint Committee with JKR Sarawak to monitor and supervise the road projects which fall under its jurisdiction.
“The proposed MPP-JKR Sarawak Joint Committee could then share their data on road safety and traffic flow through an integrated monitoring system,” he added. — DayakDaily
