KOTA SAMARAHAN: Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim has urged the Public Works Department (JKR) to figure out a way and take action to reduce road congestion here.
He said that the issue had been a trending topic lately and hoped the people would accept that congestion was inevitable when there was ongoing development, especially involving the construction of new roads.
“However, we have discussed with parties involved including Kota Samarahan Muncipal Council (MPKS), JKR, contractors and other agencies – I have met and discussed with them to share our views and suggestions.
“In fact, I myself am very serious and urge the relevant parties to find a solution to ease road congestion in this area,” he said at a press conference after the symbolic handing over of keys in conjunction with the Uni Garden MPKS Food Court Key handover ceremony, here last Saturday night (Jan 15).
He added that the issue of road congestion could not be “eliminated” but the relevant authorities would work to reduce the problem, especially the Kuching-Samarahan Highway and Jalan Dato Mohd Musa.
“These two roads have indeed been a hot issue among road users lately, and we acknowledge that,” he said.
Elaborating on the period that would be taken to resolve the road congestion issue, Hamzah cited several factors including projects that could not be completed within the period specified in the contract.
“As an example; for a project built on the Kuching-Samarahan Highway, I was informed by JKR which is also the implementing agency that it was a sick project that was delayed from its due date of completion.
“Therefore, I am confident and believe that JKR has its own plan and I was also informed that the Ministry of Works (KKR) is also in the process of giving a final warning,” he said.
Hamzah informed that as the Stakan assemblyman, he would continue to urge JKR to take more serious action against the contractor.
“It is all in my principle. Whatever actions needed is for the people of Stakan and the surrounding area. This is an important thing for me at this time,” he explained.
He was also confident that when the new road construction project; including under the Sarawak government, is completed, it would help reduce road congestion especially in the Kota Samarahan area.
