Press Statement by YB Kelvin Yii:
There is an urgent need to expedite the long delayed construction of the new drainage outlet for storm water discharge at Jalan Masjid, Jalan Market and Lebuh Java that cost about RM7 million which was first expected to be completed by January 2019.
However, until now, there is slow progress in the construction and has caused so much inconvenience and also posed significant danger to the road users, and also business owners and those working in the vicinity.
In doing so, I have written an official letter to the Mayor of Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara(DBKU) to request his urgent intervention as well as to facilitate a dialogue between the mayor and the contractors involved for us to better understand the problem that is being faced and more importantly the progress of the whole upgrades.
Such long delays without proper cause is totally unacceptable especially for the people that are directly affected by it. Surrounding that areas, business owners and road users have feedback to us how the long-delayed construction has affected their business and livelihood. On top of that, there is a government clinic in the area which is also constantly filled with members of the public that come to seek for medical attention. Such delays are not just affecting their livelihood but putting their lives and safety at risk.
On the 8th October 2020, a flash flood happened in that area due to heavy downpour and because of it, the road dividers that was supposed to separate the construction site and the road floated away which significantly endangered road users who could not see the divide and risk them driving into the hole and area that was still under construction. Our Bandar Kuching team was on the ground swiftly to help placed back those dividers to avoid any unwanted accidents that may even cause lives.
So, due to the delay, that area still experience flash floods when it was supposed to solve the flash floods problem in Kuching itself. That is why, for the good and convenience of the public, a proper dialogue between DBKU and the contractors is urgently needed, so we will also understand the situation better and better inform the public.
That is why I urge the mayor of DBKU to urgently intervene in the situation and address the delays for the good and safety of the people. We do not want any unwanted accidents due to something that could have been prevented especially if it risks injury or even worst death to those affected.
Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen
MP Bandar Kuching
