KUCHING, Nov 10: Why does it take as long as 11 months for remedial works for the slope failure at the junction of Kampung Haji Baki along the Jalan Kuching-Bau to be addressed and completed?
In a statement today, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Batu Kitang branch chairman Abdul Aziz Isa he said the road had collapsed on July 17, but it was only announced in October that upgrading works would finish by June 17, 2022, which is nearly a year apart.
As a frequent user of that particular stretch of the road, he said, contractors were often found not working at night.
“Had the remedial works (been) carried out during night time (as well), the project would have been completed in less than six months,” he said.
Abdul Aziz also called for actual costs for the reconstruction of road embankment, pavement structure, construction of wall with RC slab and installation of high tension cables in the vicinity to be disclosed.
He said this is important to ensure accountability and transparency over the RM2 million project since it involves taxpayers’ money.
Abdul Aziz, who is also a special assistant to Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said the public should be able to access the terms and conditions of the contract awarded to the main contractors, and sub-contractors if any, for better scrutiny.
“These are pertinent questions as it involves taxpayers’ money and the safety of the road users,” he said.
He was responding to a statement by Batu Kitang incumbent Lo Khere Chiang who had on Oct 27 announced the road upgrading works at Kampung Haji Baki junction would take eight months to complete.
Lo, who is also the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, said the project would take eight months due to the large scope of work involved, but they would try to speed it up. — DayakDaily
