By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 26: Sarawak Metro takes seriously the allegations made by an elected representative in a police report lodged on Thursday (Sept 25) regarding the implementation of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Project.
Sarawak Metro was referring to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, who lodged a police report against Sarawak Metro and KUTS following a significant water disruption on Sept 22 that left many residents and businesses without supply for about 24 hours.
In a press release, Sarawak Metro said that it will continue to focus on minimising any disruption to public utility services throughout the construction phase of the KUTS Project.
“This involves every aspect of the construction works throughout the KUTS alignment, especially when it concerns public utilities such as infrastructure for water, electricity and telecommunications,” it said.
In the recent incident where a 600mm ductile iron pipe at Jalan Canna here was accidentally damaged by the KUTS Project’s Blue Line Package 2 contractor—Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd and CRBC (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd joint venture (PESB-CRM JV)— it said that although all precautions had been taken to avoid these types of incidents, it acknowledged that accidents could always happen, especially in cases where some of the utilities were uncharted.
A detailed explanation was also provided by PESB-CRM JV, which stated that it accidentally struck the water pipe in question, located approximately four meters below ground, during piling works.
“This depth is significantly deeper than the standard one-meter cover that is typically required for utility pipelines, which made this particular pipe undetectable by standard scanning methods; despite thorough preparation, including underground detection mapping, joint inspections with Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, and pilot trenching prior to works.
“PESB-CRM JV highlighted that the actual alignment and depth of the pipe differed from available records, resulting in an unforeseen clash beyond the contractor’s control,” it said.
Sarawak Metro and its contractors also reiterate that they are fully committed to continuing to engage with the relevant utility providers, especially before any excavation activities are done near chartered underground pipes and cables.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Metro expressed appreciation for the support and understanding from the public, especially during these past few days, as it strives to develop the future green public transport system for Greater Kuching.
“Sarawak Metro also greatly appreciates the close cooperation given by all the relevant government agencies and utility providers in ensuring the KUTS Project is implemented as smoothly as possible.” — DayakDaily
