By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 5: A comprehensive study is currently underway to determine whether a flyover should be constructed or if the existing road should be expanded along Jalan Stutong near SJK (Cina) Chung Hua No. 2, as part of a broader effort to improve the entire traffic system in the area.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the study is vital to ensuring a long-term solution is implemented, rather than a piecemeal approach that could simply shift traffic congestion from one point to another.
“They (the relevant authorities) are looking into whether to build a flyover or expand the stretch of road to accommodate the growing traffic needs. The intention is not just to improve one segment and leave other areas as bottlenecks. We want to solve the entire system holistically,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook live streaming from Vienna, Austria today.
Wee disclosed that the budget for the project has already been approved, but stressed that the planning stage, particularly the study, would require some time to complete.
“We are in communication with the Public Works Department (JKR) and once things are finalised and works are ready to begin, we will be informed. It’s important that we don’t rush the project. We want to do it right, even if it means a slight delay,” he added.
He said the scope of the study covers a large area to ensure that the traffic flow will be improved comprehensively, without causing new congestion in adjacent sections.
“I also discussed this with our Deputy Premier (Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas). The project is confirmed, but it needs some adjustments and fine-tuning before implementation. The goal is to truly enhance the traffic condition that has long plagued the area,” he said.
He expressed hope that the public will support the initiative and look forward to the blueprint being revealed once the study is completed, as it promises a meaningful improvement to the daily commute and overall connectivity in the Stutong vicinity. — DayakDaily
