Photo shows the site, where the bridge is to be constructed.
KUCHING: Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin complains about the construction of a bridge, which is part of the road linking Kampung Tanah Puteh with the main Kuching-Serian Road, being behind schedule again.
Based on details from previous reports, the road is said to cost RM68 million to construct.
The earth-breaking was done in 2011, but construction of the road had yet to reach completion.
This is despite the claims that the project reached completion in 2015, said Willie.
He said the road and the bridge were supposed to be ready in April this year – but the works have yet to reach completion by December, he would be compelled to urge the Public Works Department (JKR) in Serian to take stern action against the contractor.
As Tanah Puteh is within his constituency, Willie said it would be right for him to raise the concern of his constituents.
“The people cannot tolerate the delay anymore. The contractor failed to deliver on time. JKR Serian should have warned the contractor and imposed penalties like liquidated damages for the period of delay. But be rest assured that we will rectify the matter,” he said.
In June this year, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Serian branch chairman Edward Andrew Luwak told The Borneo Post that he wanted the federal government to audit the cost of construction of the 15km road branching out from Kampong Rayang at Mile 38 of Kuching-Serian Road to Kampung Sebamban near Serian.
“It is meant to link four villages – namely Kampung Rayang, Kampung Munggu Kupi, Kampung Tanah Putih and Kampung Semamban – with the main Kuching-Serian Road.
“The road is said to have been completed, but it raises few ‘eyebrows’.
“Though relatively newly-completed and mainly used by light vehicles, the road is wavy at various points.
“Potholes and cracks are found along the way. The people of Kampung Munggu Kupi and Kampung Tanah Puteh see red as the access to their villages is not completed,” he said.
Edward – who stood as the DAP candidate in Serian in the recent parliamentary election – said despite these villages being located in Puncak Borneo constituency, he had to highlight the matter that was brought to his attention, because the villages are actually situated near Serian town.
“The access to Kampung Tanah Putih, which also has a primary school, is still a gravel road. The bridge is still a temporary bridge. It looks like a proper bridge should be constructed there.
“There seems to be some piling works done, and piles of stones on both sides of the stream, but the project appears to have been abandoned,” he added.
Edward also noted that there seems to be no maintenance or repair works being undertaken – raising the question as to which authority is maintaining the road.