Sibu: Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew has called on the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR Sarawak) to explain why the Phase Two Oya Road Widening Project has yet to commence, despite its project signboard being erected several months ago.
Ling said the section of Oya Road in front of St Elizabeth Secondary School is part of the project, and the signboard states that construction was scheduled to begin in February this year.
“However, we are now in September, and there are still no visible signs of actual construction works commencing at the site,” he said in a statement.
He said the delay was concerning, as the affected road section had begun to show signs of subsidence and cracking, indicating the road’s condition was deteriorating.
“Oya Road is one of the important roads in Sibu, and the affected section experiences heavy traffic,” he said.
Ling added that the presence of St Elizabeth Secondary School and nearby Sacred Heart Secondary School contributed to particularly heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
He warned that further delays, once construction eventually begins, could worsen congestion and affect students, parents, teachers, and residents who use the road daily.
“Projects of this nature need to be carried out promptly and completed within a reasonable timeframe. Particularly when they involve school areas and busy roads, the works should not be continuously delayed,” he said.
Ling urged JKR Sarawak to explain whether the delay was due to issues involving the contractor, funding, technical matters, or other factors, and to provide a new commencement date.
“JKR Sarawak must explain why this project was not commenced according to the original schedule. What is the current status of the project?” he asked.
He also urged the department to immediately reassess the road condition and implement temporary safety measures to prevent the subsidence and cracks from worsening.
“The public certainly does not want a road problem that begins with cracks to develop into a collapse eventually,” he said.
