KUCHING, Dec 14: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Dato Peter Minos has called on Democratic Action Party (DAP) to meet and discuss the ongoing Jalan Kuching-Samarahan Expressway project with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, rather than making it a public issue and agitating the public.
Minos said MPKS is pleased that the contractor is accelerating works at the five roundabouts along the Jalan Kuching-Samarahan Expressway as JKR Sarawak is attempting to complete as much work before the rainy season worsens with the project targeted to be completed by November 2023.
“Of course, there are some inconveniences for road users. I live in Kota Samarahan and am aware of the situation, but I must be patient and bear with the inconveniences.
“I, like others, want the traffic lights project at the roundabouts to be completed soon, if possible before November 2023,” he asserted in a statement today.
Minos was responding to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii who has called on JKR Sarawak and its contractors to deploy strategies such as working during off-peak hours, particularly on major roads, to minimise traffic disruption on the Jalan Kuching-Samarahan Expressway, where ongoing constructions have created bottlenecks and severe congestions.
Dr Yii believes that the massive traffic jam, which is almost a daily occurrence, especially at the already congested Tabuan Tranquility roundabout exiting to the Kota Samarahan Expressway, was caused by construction work done during peak hours and exacerbated by the current rainy season.
Minos pointed out that there will inevitably be inconveniences and minor problems here and there while completing a project.
“Tell me of a project that DAP does for the public, if any, that is inconvenience-free?
“When not doing anything, it is very easy to complain, over suggest, and over critical.
“(It is) Better that DAP goes and talks with JKR Sarawak and its contractor and not make a public issue of the project, if DAP got good ideas,” he said.
Minos continued by emphasising that it was pointless to get the public agitated because it will not get things done.
“We have gone through the jams all these years and we can bear it for another year. So long as the project is completed eventually by November next year or earlier,” he added.
With Sarawak Metro to start its Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project in Kota Samarahan, Minos said MPKS will assist as needed and hopes that DAP will not create obstacles and problems then. — DayakDaily
