DELAYED projects would prevent the rakyat from enjoying their benefits aimed to improve their quality of life.
Referring to the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s opening speech, Azizul Annuar Adenan (GPS-Tanjong Datu) agreed that project implementing and monitoring agencies must endeavour to ensure projects and programmes under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 are delivered on time.
He pointed out that delayed projects were approved Extension of Time (EOT) during execution due to reasonable circumstances and once approved the projects were considered back on track.
As the construction continued, he said more EOT might be approved until the total completion of the projects but the actual delivery of the projects was still delayed.
“The promise to deliver a certain project in 24 months may be delayed up to 48 months or more. No doubt that the projects would still be completed, but late by 24 months.
“These delays cause inconvenience to the rakyat. Delayed roads and bridges prolong traffic congestion, waste time, and resources as well as compromise safety whereas delays in hospitals and schools’ construction deny the rakyat access to quality healthcare and education.
“Moreover, delays in utility projects also deny the rakyat to treated water, continuous electricity supply or uninterrupted telecommunication services.”
Azizul urged implementing agencies to be extra thorough in their planning and execution of the projects to avoid undue delays.
He added that all parties, including contractors, must also continue to improve their capacities and competencies so that they would be able to complete all projects on time.
“I also urge monitoring agencies and consultants to closely monitor projects under their charge and to ensure the necessary interventions are carried out once there is an inkling that projects are not going well as planned.”
