By Malcolm Lau
KUCHING, Dec 24: The reopening of the Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Foochow intersection earlier this afternoon is a Christmas gift for Kuchingnites.
Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak had tested the road and declared it safe for road users.
The intersection had been closed for road upgrading.
Democratic Action Party (DAP)’s Padungan assemblyman, Wong King Wei told reporters at Jalan Tun Razak here this afternoon that JKR Sarawak had conducted a Concrete Cube test and initially found the concrete was lacking a bit of strength.
“The lack of strength of the concrete is because it was tested on the first day and the concrete strength will get higher after one or two days,” Wong added.
According to Wong, JKR had advised to reopen the road on the second day which was last Monday because the strength of the road will be sufficient by that time. JKR Sarawak had tested the road again on Monday morning.
“JKR Sarawak had allowed the reopening of the road which I think is a good thing because it is seven days ahead of the (completion) estimation date,” Wong added.
He opined that the decision to close both sides of Foochow Road is the best solution as it may have speeded up the process.
“We had sought an opinion from JKR personnel and also from police personnel regarding this issue.”
Wong also said the decision to close the road was worth a try as they could then ask the contractor to finish the upgrading as fast as possible.
“To be frank, this should be the job for JKR Sarawak because they are the implementing agency for all the roads in Malaysia,” he added.
Wong said that they should monitor the process because they have the expertise and they have the knowledge and to make sure that there is no delay.
“I believe that with this kind of monitoring attitude (sic) by any of the personnel in JKR Sarawak, all the projects will be completed in time or ahead of schedule.
“Sadly, the implementing agencies are not doing the job properly and cause a lot of unnecessary trouble to road users.”
Wong stressed that JKR Sarawak is under obligation to closely monitor all the safety precautions taken by contractors to ensure they comply with the safety guidelines of JKR Sarawak.
“According to the contractor, they have briefed me that there are some remaining works left and will do it during night time. There will be no closure or partial road closure this time and it will be done after Christmas,” Wong added.
Also present at the event to officiate the re-opening of the road was DAP’s Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong. — DayakDaily
