WORK IN PROGRESS: Yong (second left) inspects the project site. Also seen from left are Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) assistant publicity and information secretary Sih Hua Tong. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Several roads in Stakan, Kota Sentosa will be upgraded under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris).
Presently, Stakan Lorong 1 is being expanded from three metres to 7.4 metres at a cost of RM140,000.
During an inspection at the site yesterday, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said it would take another one-and-a-half months to finish the project.
“In view of the heavy traffic in this area, we have requested for the contractor to expedite to offer greater convenience to our people.
“As the project continues, we have received a lot of feedback from the general public. But we hope they understand that there is a price to pay for development,” he told the media.
Yong, who is Stampin Member of Parliament, called on road users and residents in Stakan areas to be patient, pledging that the authorities and contractor would do their best to complete the project on time.
Apart from Lorong 1, he said two sections of Lorong 12 would also be upgraded under the Basic Infrastructure Projects (PIAS).
“There are over 1,000 households in Stakan and there is a bridge near where we are (Lorong 1) to connect to Samarahan. Therefore, roads in Stakan have been upgraded a lot.
“We will also expand the access road near the Stakan traffic light junction. Upon completion, there will be a diversion which will offer great convenience to road users.”
He added that the authorities would continue to study the traffic movement in Kota Sentosa to reduce traffic congestion.
On a separate development, Yong said the old Batu Kawa Bridge had been closed to traffic for maintenance at a cost of RM8 million.
“The new Batu Kawa Bridge was opened to traffic before the Chinese New Year. Now the old bridge is closed for repairs, which will be done by June.
“A couple of people have complained about closing the old bridge, saying it is still usable. But the repair work involves (structures) underneath which one cannot see.”
For safety, he advised road users to be understanding and bear with the current situation until the maintenance is completed.