KUCHING, March 2: The long-delayed drainage upgrade along Jalan Masjid, Lebuh Java and Jalan Market is currently in the last phase of construction with completion targeted at the end of April.
Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii gave this update after a meeting with the project contractor on the progress of the whole project and expected finishing date.
“Based on the explanation from the contractor, they are currently in the last phase of construction with a target to finish most works especially on Jalan Masjid and Jalan Market by March including the resurfacing of the road.
“The whole project is expected to be completed and safe for usage by end of April 2021,” he said in a statement today after inspecting the site with Julian Tan who is the special assistant to Chong Chieng Jen.
Yii hopes that the project can be completed soon for the good and safety of the community there as well as the public who frequented the areas.
“There is an urgent need to expedite the long-delayed construction of the new drainage outlet for storm water discharge at Jalan Masjid, Jalan Market and Lebuh Java which costs about RM7 million and was expected to be completed by January 2019 initially.
“The slow progress has caused so much inconvenience and also posed significant danger to the road users, business owners and those working in the vicinity,” he emphasised.
He added that business owners surrounding the areas and road users had raised that the long-delayed construction had affected their businesses and livelihood.
“On top of that, there is a government clinic there which is also constantly packed with patients coming to seek medical attention. Such delays are not just affecting their livelihood but putting their lives and safety at risk.
“In addition, that area is still experiencing flash floods when it (the project) is supposed to solve the flash floods problem in Kuching itself,” he said.
Yii also shared that he has had a dialogue with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan at the end of last year to request for urgent intervention, expedite the construction process and to understand the challenges or problems faced in the construction process.
“I was informed that DBKU will set up a task force to analyse all details of the project including addressing any disputes and obstacles and to expedite the project. They have given their assurance that they were prioritising this project and will look into resolving the remaining outstanding issues.
“We will continue to monitor as we do not want any unwanted accidents due to something that could have been prevented especially if it risks injury or even worse death to those affected,” he said. — DayakDaily
