KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Ministry of Works will look into the need of constructing elevated roads on peatland areas, said its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said when choosing a method to build an elevated road, it is usually due to necessity.
“Why is it necessary? It is because if the land is peat, it is soft. If we build using conventional methods, it may get damaged easily.
“So, if it’s elevated, it’s like a land bridge where the pillars are sturdier because the foundation is stronger.
“That’s the difference. Building on peatland is easier with this method. And in terms of maintenance, it offers more benefits by reducing maintenance issues,” he said during a press conference after the handing over ceremony for the completion of phase 1 Prima Health Centre (PKP) Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) here today.
He said this to reporters when asked to comment on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent remarks on calls for the Public Works Department (PWD) to research on methods to build an elevated road on peat soil in the state.
Elaborating further on construction of elevated roads, Nanta said it is not a new method.
“It has already been implemented in Package 11 of the Pan Borneo Highway in Lambir. Actually, the design for the Pan Borneo was conventional. A road on regular ground. But, when it was built, there were cracking issues.
“We built it once, it cracked again. Now we have switched to using the mentioned method. It’s currently being done and costs RM60 million,” he added.
