KUCHING, Oct 18: The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) is embarking on a new era with new management, a new minister in charge, and essentially a new team to reach its goal of zero ‘Projek Sakit’ (sick projects).
Speaking during the 2022 JKR Senior Officers Conference yesterday (Oct 17), its director Ir Richard Tajan said he knows it is difficult to achieve, but it is not ‘mission impossible’ if proper implementation strategies are brought in.
Right from the start, he said there was a need for good supervision to ensure projects do not fall into the ‘sick’ category.
“Thus, we to need to look at how we supervise and how to make sure the projects do not even approach the line of being delayed.
“We also need to look at our tender evaluation to determine whether what we have done in previous years is correct. If they are correct, why is it that we still have many ‘Projek Sakit’?” he asked, adding there is a need to be meticulous and stringent during evaluation.
Richard also stressed the need for accountability from the department, contractors, and consultants to ensure the successful completion of any project.
He said all sides would now be required to sign a pledge of accountability when a letter of acceptance to a contractor is made. — DayakDaily
