KUCHING, Dec 31: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) have crossed swords over the repair of Jalan Sungai Tapang in Kota Sentosa here, with DAP’s Michael Kong complaining that the poorly done works have left the resurfaced stretch damaged again in less than 24 hours.
Kong, special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, claimed that the apathetic approach by the contractor in repairing the road, where some parts were uneven and have crocodile cracks, was unsatisfactory.
This came after Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap reported early yesterday (Dec 30) that the road had been repaired by the CMS Road Maintenance team following a discussion between the parties involved including Public Works Department (JKR) Kuching and another contractor of a nearby public works project.
“A visit to the site by the DAP team yesterday afternoon (about 4pm) found that the resurfaced road is uneven like a wave while some parts are showing crocodile cracks again, and other parts were left unrepaired.
“JKR also confirmed (on Dec 30 at 10am) to me that the road was damaged again and that they have contacted the contractor to redo the repairs,” he said in a statement late yesterday.
Kong also pointed out that the road issue was not only due to overloaded lorries, as there was a need to look into the road base before proper works can be carried out and a new layer of bitumen (tar seal) can be laid.
“For example, a mini three-tonne road roller was used by the contractor to flatten the road surface before tar-sealing. From what I have gathered at least a 10-tonne road roller should be used for the repairs,” he added.
In response, Yap explained that maintenance and temporary measures are still being carried out by the CMS Road Maintenance team.
“Thus, in order to proceed with the rectification works, CMS Road Maintenance team will carry out testing on affected damage areas.
“The estimated timeline for full testing and repair is within two weeks,” he said in a statement today.
As per discussion on Dec 28, Yap said the parties involved are working together to monitor the Jalan Kampung Sungai Tapang road condition and to make sure the road is safe for public users.
Yap also reiterated his commitment on the proper maintenance of Jalan Kampung Sungai Tapang by JKR, CMS Road maintenance team and contractor and shall continue to monitor the situation as regards to what was agreed upon during the discussion. — DayakDaily
