Baru Bian
SIBU: Works Minister Baru Bian confirmed yesterday that works to repair a collapsed section at KM26 of Sibu-Bintulu Road, near here, has been completed.
“Already done (with the) repair,” he said via WhatsApp when contacted by The Borneo Post regarding the progress of the repair.
The incident was first discovered around 7.15am yesterday and brought to the attention of the contractor.
According to Sibu Resident Charles Siaw, immediate action was taken by the contractor to install temporary traffic signage and engage flagmen to assist motorists.
“LBU (Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd) will investigate the cause of the (road) failure. Repair has been completed,” he said when contacted.
Earlier, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira advised road users to exercise caution when travelling along the route.
“The stretch of road (where the collapse occurred) is under the Pan Borneo Highway (project).
“It is clearly stated in the contract that the contractor is responsible to repair any damage to the road,” he said.
He added that during a visit to Selangau last week, he noticed that many stretches of the Pan Borneo Highway were in poor condition.
“I hope the minister-in-charge (Baru Bian) can immediately look into this.”
He further pointed out that road users can take legal action against the contractor if they are involved in a road accident caused by bad road condition resulting from construction work.
Meanwhile, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai explained that while the affected section was in the council’s jurisdiction, road maintenance fell under the Public Works Department (JKR) and LBU.
“As for the council, we urge road users to take the necessary precautions not only at the road cave-in area at Mile 26 Stapang, but throughout Sibu and Bintulu roads where the construction of Pan Borneo Highway is on-going.”
Sempurai also called on the contractor and LBU to be more vigilant in view of the monsoon season in December, as more road damage might occur along the said road.
The repair to the damaged section of KM26 Sibu-Bintulu Road has been completed.