KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is seriously looking into the delay in a drainage improvement project at Sungai Lajim and Sungai Bintangor although it is only one month behind schedule.
SITE VISIT: Uggah (third left) and Fadillah (second left) visit a drainage project at Sungai Lajim. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa
Its minister Dato Sri Douglas Uggah yesterday told reporters after his visit that his ministry and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) would closely monitor the progress.
He pointed out that the delay was due to the fact that the machine used to make guardrails had to brought in from Kuala Lumpur.
“We want to ensure that the project gets completed at the end of the year. The contractor has informed me that they are confident that the project could be completed on time. However, my ministry and JPS will monitor the progress closely.
“Most of the projects in Sarawak have already been completed. This project is one of the few that has been delayed. We are taking this issue very seriously,” he said. Uggah said the project which cost about RM3.2 million must be completed as soon as possible seeing that the rainy season is coming and might further delay it.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof were also present during the visit.
On whether the water impoundment at Bakun hydro-electric dam would have an impact on the water level in Batang Rajang, Uggah said he could not comment as the issue was under the purview of the state government.
“It is not that I try to avoid responsibility but in Sarawak, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) on forestry, rivers and land development is under the preview of NREB (Natural Resources and Environment Board).
“My ministry is looking at the EIA on industry. For instance, if someone wants to set up an oil palm mill, cement or aluminium plant that is under me. This is a very clear division. It’s the same in Sabah,” he explained.