221 PWD personnel deployed to detect dangers on roads

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KOTA KINABALU: A special operation was carried out yesterday to inspect structures and facilities along 610 kilometres stretch of roads between Penampang and here.

Sabah Public Works Department director Datuk John Anthony said the programme, codenamed Operasi Sikat, was aimed at combing all stretches, including road reserves, to identify faulty facilities and structures that may be hazardous to the public.

“We spotted some (faulty facilities) and are compiling a report,” he said when asked on the progress of the day-long operation which saw the involvement of 221 PWD officers and personnel.

In fact, Anthony said such operation is nothing new as they have been carrying out spot checks on districts on a monthly basis since 2009.

“But we feel that the operation today is special because it involved a large number of officers and staff,” he said, adding that they combed areas in Inanam, Menggatal, Likas, Tanjung Aru, Moyog, Kibabaig, Inobong, Donggongon, Penampang Bypass, Terawi, Duta, Shantung, Timpango, Limbanak, KDCA and DPM.

Through the operation, he said the team would be able to make on-the-spot decision on action that should be taken to rectify the faulty facilities and structures, adding: “We like to do surprise checks and inform the respective authorities on the last minute so that they would always be ready for us and ensure their areas are in tip top condition … this will keep them on their toes at all times because they will never know when we are going to their area next.”

Anthony said that any development plan on the road reserves must be approved by PWD.

“We will impose some deposit, which will be returned after completion of the project, provided that the construction is according to the plan. If they fail to observe the procedure, then the cost to rectify it will be deducted from the deposit,” he explained.

In cases where reports are filed over faulty structures or facilities, PWD will notify the owner to carry out repair work. If they fail to respond, the department would rectify the damage and all expenses would be charged to the owner.

“Our message is simply – please make sure that all facilities and structures are safe and do not pose danger to the public or road users. Although we may not take any action against them, they are still liable to legal action,” he said.

Anthony said Operasi Sikat also aims at promoting the PWD’s slogan “JKR is road. Road is JKR” amongst their officers and personnel.

“We want our staff to spot the faulty structures and facilities before anyone else sees it. We want them to have some sense of belonging towards the infrastructure and ensure that they render quality services to the people,” he said.

He also urged the public to play their role by informing the department should they spot faulty facilities and structures by sending short messaging system (SMS) to 088-244333 or contact the PWD Hotline at 088-211115 or visit their website www.jkr.sabah.gov.