By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 22: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called on the State government to take immediate action to replace the roofing sheets of the Kuching Civic Centre here, warning that any further delay poses a serious threat to public safety.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman, said he had heard the tender for the roofing sheet replacement would only be called sometime in July this year.
“To allow such a life-threatening structure to remain in our midst and literally towering over our heads for months, that is most irresponsible of any government.
“I therefore call upon the State government to act immediately and replace the roofing sheets of the Kuching Civic Centre tower without further delay.
“Knowing there is this clear and present danger, we should not wait till disaster to happen before we act,” he said in a statement.
Chong noted that he had received messages of concern from residents living near the Kuching Civic Centre, highlighting at least two incidents where roofing sheets from the centre’s tower were blown off — one landing in the backyard of a nearby house and another near the Sarawak Club.
“It was extremely lucky that on both occasions, no one was hurt. These polycarbonate roof sheets measuring 20 feet x 4 feet per sheet, dropping from such height, will cut like a giant knife.
“It is a danger not only to the neighbouring properties but also a threat to the lives of the people nearby—residents, pedestrians or passers-by.
“One shivers at the thought of another such incident happening at any moment, especially when there is strong wind,” he said.
It was reported on April 9 that renovation works on the Kuching Civic Centre are set to commence soon, following the recent incidents.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu said the Ministry would work with the Public Works Department (JKR) to carry out an inspection of the Kuching Civic Centre’s roof and assess the building’s safety level. — DayakDaily
