KUCHING: Datuk Snowdan Lawan praised the Prime Minister’s decision to allow the transfer of minor infrastructure projects, currently under the Public Works Department’s (JKR) supervision to other departments or district offices.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said the decision will expedite the completion of projects.
“Smaller projects such as repairs or upgrade of dilapidated schools, clinics, public toilets and others should be handled by other departments or districts offices instead of JKR which is already burdened by big projects.
“In Sarawak’s context, this is more apparent in view of many minor rural projects (MRP) and also rural transformation projects (RTP) approved by the state government.
“These projects are numerous and are overburdening the state JKR,” Snowdan, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief, told reporters.
On Monday (June 12), Anwar, when speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, said that minor projects, like the task of repairing dilapidated schools, will be delegated to other departments or the district office.
Snowdan said agencies like the councils or district offices have the technical capacity to handle the projects independently without PWD’s supervision.
Some projects may require expert advice from surveyors and consultants but some administrative formalities such drafting agreements, acceptance, tendering or inspection can be handled by district offices.
