By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Feb 9: Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing has proposed that detailed studies on soil and slopes be held to prevent future landslides on roads that require deep cutting of steep slopes.
He added that such studies could be the ‘Bible’ of slope design which road designers can use as a guide to design rural roads in the mountainous regions of Sarawak.
“JKR (Public Works Department) is doing its best to make good the roads affected by landslides due to persistently heavy rain. The severe landslides in Kapit and in Serian recently were made passable within 12 hours by JKR. This shows JKR’s efficiency in dealing with disasters but at heavy cost.
“Please note that the soil texture and condition in Sarawak is very vulnerable to erosion during heavy rain.
“Thus, I would like to suggest a detailed soil and slope study needs to be done to prevent further slope erosion on roads which require deep cutting of our slopes. This study can be the ‘Bible’ of slope design on which road designers can use it as a guide when designing rural roads in the mountainous regions of Sarawak,” Masing told DayakDaily today.
Masing added that if need be, his ministry will even try to source expertise from outside to provide guidelines when planning roads for the rural regions of Sarawak.
He was commenting on the success of JKR to construct road diversions at KM16 Melukun-Ng Mujung Road in Kapit and at Kampung Mawang Tahup in Serian within a day after the roads were affected by landslides. — DayakDaily
