KUCHING, Jan 3: Is Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen barking up the wrong tree?
In a statement today, Federal Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi clarified that the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway traffic light project is a Sarawak government project and not a federal one.
“…It is worth noting that the project is under the purview of Sarawak’s State government, managed by the State’s Public Works Department (PWD).
“Although the project is not under the supervision of (the) Federal (government)’s Ministry of Work and PWD, I have sought clarification from Sarawak’s PWD on the issue,” said Nanta.
He said he had been made to understand that the construction work in the area had temporarily stopped during the recent Christmas and New Year holidays, to facilitate and allow road users in the area to use the route without having to deal with traffic congestion caused by road construction work.
A new contractor was appointed in September last year and construction works are currently being carried out according to schedule.
The Kuching-Samarahan Expressway traffic light project, Nanta said, is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.
“I was also informed that PWD Sarawak would issue a comprehensive explanation to the media on the current update of the project.
“I would like to thank all parties including YB Chong for his concern in highlighting this issue. I believe all parties involved are doing their best to ensure better traffic flow, as well as reducing roadside hazards for the benefit of the public, especially road users,” said Nanta.
In a statement yesterday, Chong had called upon Nanta to prioritise the progress of the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway traffic light project and area traffic flow management.
He said poor road closure and re-routing planning in the vicinity of the construction site had caused unbearable traffic jams for commuters.
Chong who is the Stampin MP and Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii visited the construction site yesterday following a complaint that it took three hours for a driver to get from Uni Garden to Hui Sing. — DayakDaily
