By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 15: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak is considering shortening the classification period of sick projects from the existing 100 days to 30.
Its minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said that under the Public Works Department’s (JKR) regulation, action can be taken if an approved project is not implemented within 100 days.
“However, we have discussed and felt that 100 days is too long. So, we are trying our best to see how we can reduce this to just 30 days,” he told reporters after performing earth-breaking ceremonies for two road upgrade projects in Spaoh today.
The projects are the RM16 million Mara/Selangking/Ng Sela/Tanjung Paoh Road and the RM20 million Spaoh spur road.
He explained that if the contractor awarded the project has not implemented the project as scheduled within 30 days, JKR will terminate the contract, allowing for early intervention, which will save time.
“Our intention is not to make things difficult for the contractors, but it is our task to ensure all projects approved by our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg be implemented based on schedule to meet the objectives of the projects,” he said.
Using the two road projects as an example, he said the people expected the roads to be completed according to schedule and appealed to contractors to do their best—even better if they could finish ahead of schedule.
Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier, said that projects, when implemented as scheduled, would contribute to the local economy through spin-off effects.
He added that when he first reported to the ministry, there were over 100 sick projects in the State, and now there are only two.
Meanwhile, Uggah said that with the increasing number of projects to be implemented in the State, JKR would need to strengthen its capacity and workforce with 414 new officers.
He said that last year, JKR managed to recruit 60 and that the remaining 354 will be recruited within the year.
“Our Premier, too, has indicated that Sarawak may increase its revenue to RM20 billion.
“With that, there is obviously the need for JKR to increase or improve upon its capacity and capabilities in the implementation process, as there are still areas where roads need to be built, upgraded, and maintained.
“So, I hope JKR will continue to study how it can upgrade its manpower and facilities to offer world-class services,” he said.
Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu, Sarawak JKR director Dr Cassidy Morris, and Betong Resident Richard Abunawas accompanied Uggah. — DayakDaily
