By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, July 19: Putrajaya has approved an allocation of RM2 million for major repair works on the stretch of Jalan Tun Razak, from Foochow Road intersection to Chawan Road junction, this September.
Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong said the road had developed some rutting defects after being used by heavy vehicles and lorries over the years, which had not been fixed for some time.
She said these defects were posing a hazard for road users, particularly motorcyclists, as it could cause them to lose control of their motorcycles, especially on rainy days.
“Because the problem is getting more serious, I have actually since a few months ago, including the DUN sittings, posed questions and even follow-ups with the relevant authorities that is the state Public Works Department (JKR) on the road maintenance of this particular stretch of road.
“I’m glad to say that the latest info that I’ve received is that federal government has allocated RM2 million to carry out major repair works for this stretch of road, and is expected to commence by the end of September 2019.
“Hopefully the problem can be solved to ensure the safety of the road users,” Yong told reporters during a site inspection here, today.
Jalan Tun Razak is a protocol road under the federal jurisdiction, together with Jalan Tun Jugah and Jalan Lapangan Terbang, she added.
Therefore, Yong said, the allocation would go through the federal JKR, and the work to be implemented by the state JKR.
“The contractors bidding for the maintenance of this road is done on Putrajaya side,” she added.
On a related note, she also revealed that plans to fix another portion of Jalan Tun Razak was already on the table. The said section would be from the Sungai Apong traffic light junction to Penview Hotel intersection, she said.
“It is still in the planning process so I cannot reveal the cost and time of implementation yet,” said Yong.
She also urged the state and federal JKR to improve its maintenance responses before untoward incidents happen because of poor road conditions.
“I would also like to urge JKR Sarawak and federal to come up with a more systematic procedure or system to monitor all the road conditions in the state, particularly routine maintenance works which have to be carried out on time rather than wait till the public complaints then you take actions to solve it.
“The safety of the road users must be a priority. I hope with the federal allocation, this road condition will be improved and I hope in the future routine maintenance work on it could also be carried out on time,” said Yong. — DayakDaily
