By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 24: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen has raised questions over the RM200 million price tag for the Stutong Link Road upgrading project in Kuching, calling on the Sarawak government to justify the high cost.
When debating the motion of appreciation on the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s opening address in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) yesterday, Chong highlighted the recently announced project, which involves expanding the existing 2km road into a dual carriageway to ease traffic congestion between BDC and Tabuan Tranquility.
“There was an announcement that there will be a new Stutong Link Road from 1TJ to TT3—a 2km road expansion in Kuching, and the purported allocation is RM200 million.
“RM200 million, Deputy Speaker (Dato Idris Buang). How do you justify that?” he asked.
In a pointed remark aimed at potential contractors, Chong added, “Alright, if you are interested to bid for the contract, there it is.”
On March 8, Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak engineer Liew MC, during Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng’s ShallWeeTalk live session, said that the project is currently in the engineering planning and design phase, which is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
Once finalised, the project will proceed to the tendering stage and contractor appointment.
Apart from the road project, Chong also expressed concern over the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, noting that its implementation appeared to be behind schedule by over 3 per cent.
He pointed out that delays in infrastructure projects typically result in cost overruns, and called on the government to provide transparency on the actual costs involved.
“May I put in the question today—what is the original estimated cost for the construction of the ART project?” he asked.
“Each individual line—the red line, yellow line, green line—and whether there are cost overruns up to this stage?” – DayakDaily
