KUCHING, Feb 26: Occupants of some shophouses are concerned and anxious about the severe cracks on the façade and structure of buildings at Jalan Market next to Brooke Dockyard & Engineering Works Corporation here.
Julian Tan, special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, thus urged Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to urgently step in and look into the matter seriously to thwart any unwanted incidents from happening.
“It is believed that the nearby never-ending construction project seems to have aggravated the cracks.
“The main pillars at one of the shops also appeared tilted, with some big chunks of concrete that can be seen about to fall apart,” he raised the issue in a statement today.
If the cracks were left unattended and the ground movement continued, Tan, who is also former Stampin MP, emphasised that the building’s structural integrity may be compromised and endanger its occupants.
“It is understood that the matter has been brought to DBKU’s attention multiple times, some as early as 2020 but met with disappointment,” he said.
He added that the foundation of many old shophouses here could be stone, brick, or hard timber given the buildings’ rich and century-old history, which made them susceptible to ground movement, unlike the stronger and thicker reinforced concrete being used today.
“DBKU needs to ensure that any upgrading projects in the city on such an historic site have placed serious and careful considerations on the methods being used to carry out the projects and not upset the foundation,” he stressed.
Ironically, he pointed out that the ongoing projects here have also became an eyesore in this part of the city and caused great inconveniences to both businesses and users.
“It is plagued with delays after delays. It is only proper for DBKU to engage with the business community here to have a true sense of its severity, especially on businesses that have been greatly affected by the said construction project,” he urged. — DayakDaily
