KOTA BELUD: A new concrete bridge in Kampung Kota Bungan here, which was a project under the Implementation Co-ordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, sank or collapsed by three feet soon after it was commissioned in April 2009, according to a team of Pakatan Rahyat leaders.
Kota Kinabalu MP Hiew King Cheu, DAP vice chairman Edward Ewol Mujie, John Lee Kim Seng and PAS Sabah deputy commissioner Mohd Aminudin B. Aling and publicity chief Ag Laiman Hj Tkin have made a visit to the site after being informed of the situation.
The foundation for the bridge abutment failed, causing the bridge to sink.
The concrete bridge is now beyond repair and needs to be totally rebuilt, they said in a press statement.
They claimed that the piling at the bridge head was insufficient or there was none at all.
“This is definitely another project under the ICU that has fouled up and ended in disaster. Public money has been wasted and someone would have to take responsibility and be made answerable,” they said.
“Pakatan Rakyat seeks an explanation from the ICU and the responsible government department on this incident as a matter of public interest and urgency. We cannot have this type of development project put under wrap as if nothing has happened, and there may be other projects in similar circumstances in the Kota Belud district.
“The general public are welcome to approach the PR representatives to inform them of any problem in their area to ensure that the government spends their money wisely,” they said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Drainage and Irrigation Department said there are a number of bridges under their jurisdiction and they need to check first to determine whether the construction of the bridge was under them or the Kota Belud District Office.
“It appears that the construction of the bridge was under the supervision of the Kota Belud District Office, hence they manage the bridge,” he said.
However, the District Pffice could not be reached for comment.