KUCHING: Chong Chieng Jen has suggested that the Public Works Department (JKR) and Kuching City South Council (MBKS) ensure lanes in the city be properly widened to cater to increased traffic.
The Padungan assemblyman said that this should be done before JKR designates a housing estate lane to be an alternative route during a construction period.
“There is currently a project for the construction of a bridge connecting the Stutong Resettlement Scheme to Sungai Tapang and Samarahan.
“In fact, the funds for the project were initially approved during Pakatan Harapan’s time, but the implementation of the project was delayed until last year,” he explained.
Chong also shared that for the construction project, JKR had closed Lorong 28, Stutong Resettlement Scheme and designated Lorong 24 as the alternative access road for two years – the estimated time for the completion of the project.
“I have received complaints from residents around Lorong 24 to 28, Stampin Resettlement Scheme that Lorong 24 is too narrow.
“As it is now, the designated access road, there is now a constant flow of large lorries and cement trucks along Lorong 24.
“This has not only caused great inconvenience to the residents nearby but also poses great danger to them.
“On Monday, my assistant Michael Kong and I went to verify the complaint and inspect Lorong 24. It is indeed too narrow for lorries and trucks.”
Chong urged JKR and MBKS to take immediate action to resolve the issue.
“As a general policy, JKR and MBKS should ensure that the alternate access road for any government construction project must be wide enough and safety measures implemented, this is especially so, if the designated access road is in a housing estate,” he stressed.
