KAPIT: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing went for an inspection of the newly completed RM4.5 million Kapit Express Boat Terminal’s extension at Kapit Waterfront here, yesterday.
Masing was accompanied during the inspection by Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit, Bukit Mabong District Officer Douglas Pungga, Kapit Police Chief, DSP Freddy Bian, Sarawak Rivers Board staffs, heads of departments and local community leaders.
Speaking to the press after the inspection, Masing said, “I have observed very clearly that there is a long cement crack across the wall on the first floor of this new building. If it is the cement that cracks then it is alright because that is a facial crack but if the crack is caused by a fault in the design of the structure then it is very serious. The whole building may be at risk. I don’t want that to happen. As you could see the beams extended from one end to another end without the support of any column or pillar. I suspected the crack up there is because of the structural design without the column to support the weight. I have instructed the structural engineer from Public Works Department to conduct a thorough check to confirm the cause of the crack. If it was the facial cement crack then alright otherwise something need to be done. I don’t want any mishap to occur later on”.
Masing who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation spent about an hour to inspect the new building.
“In the design the new walkway (second walkway from the second platform) is for moving goods from the express boats. The original walkway is for the comfort and convenient of the passengers only. In this way, foul smell and over-crowding can be avoided at the terminal,” Masing pointed out.
The new extended building comprises a walkway, toilet for the handicapped and also an office for Sarawak Rivers Board staffers. Although it was completed a few months ago, the Sarawak Rivers Board has not moved in.
The Express Passenger Boat Terminal is a gateway to Kapit all these years in the absence of a road link. Each day thousands of passengers use the terminal.
