By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 19: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has clarified that the council must follow proper procedures and regulations before any upgrading or repair project can be implemented.
In a statement addressing public comments claiming that MBKS does not want to carry out repair works, he explained that at the end of every year, the council will plan and identify drainage upgrading works based on the allocation approved for the following year.
Due to many areas under the council’s jurisdiction requiring maintenance and upgrading, he said, MBKS must prioritise works according to urgency, technical assessment, and available funding.
“For sudden or urgent cases, MBKS will first inspect the affected area to ensure public safety and carry out temporary measures where necessary to reduce risks to the public.
“Following this, MBKS engineers will investigate the cause of the problem, prepare the technical design, and estimate the cost of the proposed works before seeking allocation for implementation,” he said.
He added that once the allocation is approved, the council must still go through several mandatory procedures, including the tender process, technical evaluation, documentation process, endorsement by the Tender Board Committee, and approval at the Full Council Meeting, before works can officially commence.
Wee said the entire process may take several months as MBKS is required to comply with financial procedures, technical requirements, and government regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and quality implementation of public projects.
He appealed to the public for understanding and patience, adding that MBKS remains committed to doing its best to address infrastructure issues and improve public facilities for the benefit and safety of the community.
Additionally, also reminded to ensure the projects are completed according to schedule and maintain quality and safety standards throughout the implementation period.
Meanwhile, Wee handed over the project sites to appointed contractors for drain and footpath repair works at the following four locations under the jurisdiction of MBKS:
- Lorong Rock 1 at Central Park (repairing of drains and footpaths)
- Jalan Usaha Jaya (upgrading open drains and footpaths)
- Jalan Semangat (repair works on the existing open drain system)
- Jalan Padungan behind the Bomba station (repair works on the existing open drain system)
Wee said the projects are part of MBKS’ continuous effort to improve public infrastructure, enhance drainage systems, and provide safer and more comfortable public walkways for residents.
According to him, proper drainage maintenance and well-maintained footpaths are important to ensure public safety, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve the overall environment in residential and commercial areas.
The handing over of the sites marks the official commencement of the projects, which are expected to benefit nearby residents and road users upon completion. — DayakDaily
