Week-long road closure, water disruption in Tawau

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TAWAU: The stretch of Kuhara Road near the Jambatan Putih bridge will be closed from today, Saturday, for a week to facilitate repair on eroded river bank and divert the water pipe along the bridge.

Pang inspecting the road and pipes near the Jambatan Putih at Kuhara Road yesterday.

Infrastructure Development Assistant Minister Pang Yuk Ming said the road closure depends on the progress of the repair works.

He said the closure is necessary as it is about safety and urged motorists and residents there to be patient.

Apart from road users, he said, those staying in  Taman Muhibbah, Uni Villa and Taman Semarak would experience dry taps as the Water Department will shut water supply to the areas from 6am to 6pm as the mains will be shifted to the opposite side of the road.

The erosion caused by the flood also caused the water pipe to be exposed and part of it is hanging by the river.

He said the PWD would temporary repair the river that was eroded by the recent flash flood by immediately doing whatever is necessary so that the situation will not become worst.

The water department will do diversion of the pipe instead of straight as before.

“For permanent solution the pipes will be shifted to the right side of the road and will take not less than a week.

“The road will be repaired temporarily and will be done by this week. The PWD agrees that the work must be done immediately as the Kuhara Road is a main road,” he said.

Meanwhile, motorists are advised to use the alternative road through North Road while the repair work is being done.

Pang said the permanent solution would be to do an embankment about 100 feet, estimated to cost about RM1 million.

He said the structure of the bridge is good but PWD will do further testing to ensure whether the foundation is still good or not.

Pang added that after all the works had been done the road would be reopened but only for light vehicles.

Pang hoped for cooperation from all.