By Nancy Nais
ASAJAYA, Oct 21: Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed his displeasure with the contractor involved in the pavement rehabilitation work for PA-1 Kota Samarahan-Sadong Jaya Section 1 and Section 2 coastal road today, saying that they should not twist their promises to please the ears of the authorities.
Visibly upset over the delay and what he termed to be shoddy work on the ground, Abdul Karim expressed his displeasure with the project, repeatedly slamming his hand on his chair’s armrest during a press conference today and labeling the progress thus far as “an unsatisfactory job”.
Earlier, Infrastructure and Ports Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang and Abdul Karim attended a briefing by contractor Debassa Development Sdn Bhd, consultant Perunding Anggun Tega Sdn Bhd and Public Works Department (JKR) on the development of the project which includes a site visit.
“The 12.3km upgrading project contracted at RM11.8 million to you commenced work on Feb 4, 2020 and its revised completion date was scheduled to Feb 19, 2022. However, as of September, you’ve managed to complete only 24.42 percent.
“I am not confident at all that you can complete this job by the revised date which is less than four months from today. What have you been doing since the start of this project?” Abdul Karim exclaimed to the contractor.
While he said that he understood that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many projects to be delayed due to a shortage of manpower, Abdul Karim then told the contractor, “If you know it cannot be completed by the revised date, then tell us. Do not twist your promises by convincing me that it can be done because I can tell you that it won’t.”
He also lamented the various complaints that were received and had gone viral on social media made by the people living in Asajaya and commuters from other areas regarding the road works, which he said was slowly becoming a disaster and a hassle to drive on a daily basis.
“I am very angry because we received so many complaints to a point where people are now blaming me. It came to a point where our people told me we might as well not upgrade this road because it was much better and safer before the ‘rehabilitation’ works.
“Nobody wants to be left out from development but in this case, their frustration has reached a level where they prefer the old road. However, this is a very high traffic road, which is why we need to upgrade it to improve socio-economic activities and pave the way for other development for coastal areas.
“When we (government) awarded you the project, it means we trust you to execute it well in terms of quality and complete it within the allocated timeframe. If this continues, then no more in the future. Enough is enough,” Abdul Karim said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim extended his apologies to the people living in Asajaya over the delayed project and asked for their patience.
He also urged everyone to be careful and drive slowly to avoid any untoward incidents.— DayakDaily
