By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: The delay in the Jalan Mendu Upgrading Project was caused by a conflict between proposed drainage works and an existing live water supply pipeline whose actual location differed from available utility records and project drawings, says Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Reading out a statement during MBKS’ ShallWEETalk live session today, Wee said the project owner had immediately coordinated with the contractor, supervising consultant, Sarawak Water and relevant utility agencies to determine the appropriate engineering solution and facilitate the necessary approvals.
He said the contractor is currently awaiting final approval from Sarawak Water to proceed with the pipeline relocation works, which are expected to take about three days once approval is granted.
“Once approval is granted, the relocation works will be completed within approximately three days, after which the culvert construction and subsequent reinstatement works will resume immediately,” he said.
Wee added that MBKS has instructed the contractor to expedite all remaining construction activities and, subject to timely completion of the utility relocation and no further unforeseen circumstances, the project is targeted for completion by Sept 15, 2026.
Meanwhile, MBKS has ordered the contractor to rectify safety issues identified at the project site following public concerns over safety conditions.
Wee said a site inspection found several temporary traffic barriers had been improperly arranged and inadequately secured, with reinforcement steel bars protruding through openings of the plastic barriers.
The condition was found to pose a potential hazard to road users, particularly motorcyclists and pedestrians, he said.
“Public safety remains MBKS’ foremost priority,” he said, adding that the contractor had been instructed to remove all exposed reinforcement steel, properly secure the temporary barriers and ensure continuous monitoring of the site to prevent any recurrence.
Wee said MBKS had also issued a formal warning requiring full compliance with the approved Traffic Management Plan, Occupational Safety and Health requirements, and contract specifications.
The supervising consultant has also been directed to strengthen site supervision, carry out more frequent inspections and submit a report explaining the circumstances that led to the safety lapse together with the corrective measures implemented.
Wee said MBKS would not compromise on safety and would continue monitoring the project closely, adding that appropriate contractual action would be considered should the contractor or supervising consultant fail to fulfil their obligations.
The council also apologised for the inconvenience experienced by road users and nearby businesses during the construction period, while thanking the public for their patience and understanding. — DayakDaily
