Residents claim slope rectification works stalled

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A recent photo of the slope rectification project site at KM5+900 and KM6+100 near Kpg Karu, Jalan Puncak Borneo.

KUCHING: Slope rectification works at two stretches of road near Kampung Karu, Jalan Puncak Borneo, also known as KM5+900 and KM6+100 seem to have stalled.

Road users passing through the area fear the project is falling far behind schedule and a resident who claimed that he used the road almost every day voiced his concern over the delay to thesundaypost.

A follow-up check on location appears to validate the claim.

There was no machinery there and no one seen working.

However, there was evidence of works being carried out, notably at the foot of the slope.

It is uncertain, though, when the works were done.

When contacted, Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, said he would call the contractor for an update.

Work on the RM3 million-project, scheduled for completion in March next year, was supposed to start immediately after the earth-breaking ceremony conducted by Dr Jerip on July 26.

The proposed remedial works on the slope would include geogrid reinforced slope (40m long x 12m high) at location number one (40m long x 12m high) and at location number two, and the construction of a new drainage system on both sides of the embankment.

A proper design slope would be built to contain the erosive soil, provide surface protection as well as drains for water runoff.

The slopes at KM5+900 and KM6+100 are the second most serious landslide after the cut-off at Kampung Abang in 2015.

There are 150 landslide-prone locations along Jalan Puncak Borneo up to Anah Rais and Simuti, and the old Padawan Road, of which 107 have been fully rectified.