KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has chided recalcitrant and incompetent contractors who fail to complete their projects within the scheduled timeframe.
The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister pointed out that the Lorong 14 back lane drainage upgrade project at RPR Batu Kawah worth approximately RM500,000 had surpassed its completion date.
“So much opportunity was given through the drawing of lots or open tender, but if you are not competent or not performing, why should the public suffer and why should you be given another opportunity?” he said in a post on the Batu Kawah Service Centre Facebook page recently.
“Similar to the federal and state Public Works Departments (JKR), we will get the legal officer to look at the procedure of appointing the rescue contractors so that we don’t go through more bureaucracy of lengthy re-tender again while people continue to suffer,” he said.
At the same time, he said he was glad to see more good contractors than bad.
“Good job with the drainage upgrade at Lorong 2, Rantau Panjang and the pedestrian walkway at Desa Wira. It makes a whole world of difference between good and bad contractors,” said the Batu Kawah assemblyman.
According to a news report by Dayak Daily, Dr Sim said local councils must take immediate action against contractors who failed to complete their projects according to schedule.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president said any delay in government projects was against the will of the government and the people as any development promoted by the local council was to improve the facilities to benefit the local population.
He assured that he would continue monitoring and requesting councils to report any ‘sick projects’ and irresponsible contractors to him.
With regard to the aforementioned drainage system project at RPR Batu Kawah, Dayak Daily reported that Dr Sim had instructed Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) deputy secretary Ir Goh Thiam Ho to take immediate action against the contractor.
