JKR fixes potholes along Kuching-Kota Samarahan Expressway roundabouts as interim measure until project gets underway

A worker patching up potholes.

KUCHING, Jan 19: Upgrading works for the five roundabouts along Kuching-Samarahan Expressway are facing major delays with the contractor officially issued a notice of default on Jan 13.

Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, in a statement today, disclosed that the project, which took off on Oct 15, 2020 and was initially scheduled for completion on Jan 14 this year, was not able to progress according to schedule.

Despite numerous meetings held to resolve several issues, the project however did not manage to pick up.

Aware of the plights of motorists, JKR Sarawak has taken over the maintenance works of the road and embarked on filling up potholes as interim measures to improve the conditions of road stretches affected by the construction.

It explained that during the construction period, the maintenance of the road was supposedly under the contractor’s responsibilities as per the contract.

Laying and compaction of premix for undulating area.

In addition, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development is also liasing with the police to get assistance in stationing traffic officers at the roundabouts to assist in traffic flow.

JKR Sarawak said that its personnel are currently working round the clock and constantly monitoring the appearance of new potholes and will carry out patching works immediately.

However, it said that the filled-up potholes were not able to last long due to the recent bad weather condition.

Hence, for the mid-term solution and in order to improve the road conditions, stretches of the roads will be milled and laid with a new premix layer.

The public are also encouraged to contact JKR Sarawak through JKR Sarawak RoadCARE WhatsApp at 011-70171777 to lodge complaints so that actions can be taken as quickly as possible. — DayakDaily