BAU: Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian wants an explanation from the implementing agency and contractor on the delayed construction of the Siniawan Waterfront project.
He was informed by Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh that the project has been long delayed, as it was supposed to be completed by April last year, and that only 52 per cent of work has been done.
Sim said the government would not hesitate to terminate the contractor for not seeing to project completion on time.
“I will also speak to the implementing agency which is the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) on this matter and why this project has been delayed.
“We have no hesitation to terminate the contractor but there will be a legal process to go through and on the financial implication of the project,” said Sim after attending the Chap Goh Mei celebration at Siniawan Heritage Town, today (Feb 5).
He added that the matter would also be brought up with Deputy Premier and also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to find a solution.
“I will meet up with Uggah on this matter, especially on appointing a new contractor for the project, so we have to be smart,” he added.
Miro said the contractor of the 120 meter waterfront project had been given extension of time twice to complete the project, however, the contractor’s performance was found wanting.
“They should have completed the project by April but was extended to be completed by August last year.
“Since then, there has been no progress at all. Then, a new extension of time was given to them for the project to be completed by August this year,” he said.
Miro said he had been accused of having benefited from the project and also questioned if he was doing his part as the people’s representative.
He clarified that he had been doing his part to push the contractor to finish the project.
“I even asked why the project was delayed. I was never invited to attend meetings with the implementing agency to talk about the project and why it was delayed for so long.
“If both the contractor and the implementing agency do not do their work, they are the ones to blame because they are the ones who deprive the rakyat’s aspiration, not me,” he asserted.
He also revealed the initial cost of the project was about RM10.8 million.
“If you see the construction site, there are no workers at work, so I do not believe they will finish it by August this year,” said Miro.
