KUCHING, July 20: There will be no compromise over contractors using substandard construction materials in their awarded projects, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said scrimping on construction materials means going against the specifications of the contracts, which is strictly forbidden.
Taking the errant contractors to task, he said the government would take the blame when technical malfunctions occur in later stages of the projects, which would also incur extra expenses.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, reprimanded contractors who fail to deliver as promised, despite being allowed more time.
“Shape up or ship out. We cannot help you if you cannot help us. The people, they have very high expectations for their projects to be delivered properly and on time.
“When such projects are delayed, they will not only be frustrated but angry as well. They will point fingers at the government and the elected leaders,” he said.
He added that the Sarawak government would have no choice but to take drastic action such as cancelling the contract awarded and suspending the contractor’s licence, should the contractor continue to underperform.
Otherwise, there will still be many delayed and ‘sick’ projects in Sarawak, he said during a Public Works Department (JKR) briefing on the status of various projects under its southern regional office here today.
Uggah was informed of four ‘sick’ projects and one that is behind schedule, but he was happy that the RM108.1 million Bebuling Airport project is progressing accordingly.
Uggah was accompanied by political secretary to the Premier Dr Richard Rapu, JKR Kuching headquarters representative Meehan Jorai, and Betong Divisional JKR engineer Chiresly Francis Kureng. — DayakDaily
