KUCHING, Nov 11: The relevant authorities have been urged to resume the supply of cement as soon as possible to avoid delays in large-scale projects, especially since it would affect the speed of construction of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Kota Sentosa.
Federation of Chinese Associations in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian District (Youth Section) treasurer Aaron Tay Kok Tung said the local community and businesses are frustrated with the slow and heavy traffic along the route, which spans from Kota Sentosa heading to Padawan.
“They are questioning and urging the authorities to do something to speed up the progress or improve the traffic flow to minimise the inconveniences. They are upset with the prolonged traffic congestion,” he said in a statement today.
Tay, who is also the director of Tay Motors located in Kota Sentosa, said he was also concerned about the recent shortage of cement supply which also contributed to the delay or slow progress of the road projects along the route.
He said according to Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dato Tan Jit Kee, the shortage of raw materials caused a 40 per cent reduction on cement production this month, leading to delays in many development projects in Kuching.
“I would like to urge the relevant authorities to address the issue immediately as the delay of the road projects may cause knock-on effects and impact people’s lives and livelihoods.
“I am aware of the shortage of cement which is not something new as it occurs almost every year, affecting most of the developers and builders as they couldn’t proceed or keep up with their projects and schedules as planned,” he said.
Tay pointed out that cement is one of the major raw materials used for construction projects and any shortage would cause delivery problems and an increase in prices.
“This will definitely raise the prices of real estate, burdening home buyers as well as those who want to expand their businesses (for commercial and industrial properties),” he said.
“Since we are in the stage of economic recovery, the government and relevant authorities must resolve the issue promptly as well as come up with a long term solution to avoid the same issue from recurring.
“Otherwise, it will further impact the people and businesses, which are supposed to be having better days ahead,” he added. — DayakDaily
