KUCHING, July 18: A rescue contractor has been hired to continue work on convertint five roundabouts along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway into traffic light intersections.
According to Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the project is expected to be completed in 15 months.
He told reporters this today following a visit to the third roundabout site with Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) permanent secretary Chiew Chee Yaw, JKR director Richard Tajan, and other JKR senior officers and contractor engineers.
“We have appointed a new contractor. The officers have briefed us and they had done some work.
“Looking at their plan and the JKR plan, we hope this project will be completed within 15 months.
“I will personally come with JKR to supervise,” he said.
Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, revealed that the conversion project has been controversial due to its delay, and that it has and continues to frustrate not only the public but also the government.
“Now, the government has decided to appoint a rescue contractor, which is our strategy if there is a “sick” project, so that it will be completed as scheduled,” he pointed out.
He went on to say that based on a briefing given to him, the new contractor is well prepared with machines, materials, and workforce.
“They have also informed us of their plans to acquire the necessary traffic light equipment.
“So we can see that the commitment or plan is there.
“Now, it is the job of JKR to make sure that the plan is implemented,” he added.
Uggah stated that JKR will work out a timeline for work to proceed progressively, which the department will track of as a key performance indicator (KPI).
“On the work done so far by the contractor, I hope it is not a case of a ‘new broom sweeps well’,” he said.
He added that studies would be taken on if there is a need to convert other roundabouts in the city into traffic light intersections to reduce traffic jams.
“Let us study the proposal. Our road traffic not only in Kuching but Statewide has increased tremendously. More and more people can afford to buy their own cars now but our roads were built 30 or 40 years ago.
“There are various options that can be taken like building flyovers, underground passages, installing traffic lights and others. However, the option will depend on the situation in each town or area.
“We need to incorporate whatever option is taken in our planning for the future, like 50 years from now,” he added. — DayakDaily
