(Miri, 17th) Miri Kenyalang People's Party Chairman Chan Xiangye pointed out that the Jubba 5th Road covered stage and surrounding upgrading project—which costs about RM400,000—has only been completed around 65% as of the 12th of this month, despite two extensions of the deadline. He urges the Miri City Council to explain the project's progress and reasons for the delay, as well as to strengthen supervision and complete the project as soon as possible.
When Chan Xiangye visited Jubba 5th Road today to understand the situation, he stated that the project on site was still not fully completed, and he did not see any workers at work during his inspection.
He said the project was originally scheduled to be completed in May, and the completion deadline has since been extended twice. Therefore, he hopes the City Council can explain to local residents and businesses the current progress, the latest completion date, and what measures are being taken to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible.
"Since public works are financed by public funds, they should be implemented according to plan and allow people to have a clear understanding of the construction progress. Now that the project keeps being delayed, the City Council needs to strengthen its supervision and communication."
Chan Xiangye stated that Jubba is where he grew up, so he pays special attention to the local community's development. He said that local residents and business owners are not only concerned about the progress of the project, but have also raised opinions about the space and practical usage needs of the newly built covered stage and toilets.
He believes that besides completion of construction, upgrading projects should also consider the practicality of the facilities and the actual needs of local residents, to ensure that public facilities can truly serve their purpose.
On another note, Chan Xiangye also pointed out that basic environmental issues around Jubba 5th Road have yet to be improved, including poor drainage and unpleasant odors near the market's surrounding drains, as well as limited capacity of public garbage bins.
He said that upgrading the community environment should not focus only on physical construction; basic municipal services such as drainage, cleanliness, and waste treatment are equally important.
"Since community upgrading is underway, we should take a holistic approach to the environment. In addition to building new facilities, existing problems with drainage, cleanliness, and garbage disposal should also be dealt with at the same time."
Regarding the issue of project delay, Chan Xiangye urged the City Council to explain the current contract deadline, the reasons for the extension, subsequent arrangements, and to ensure that the relevant works are handled according to contract and established procedures.
He also requested the City Council to clarify whether, if some structures need to be adjusted or rebuilt during the construction process, there are any project variations and extra costs involved, and to inform the public accordingly.
"What people care about is how public funds are used, as well as whether the finished project can achieve the expected results. The relevant departments should be transparent and let residents know about the progress and related arrangements."
Chan Xiangye also mentioned that the project delay may cause inconvenience to local businesses, so he hopes the contractor and City Council will strengthen coordination and, while ensuring construction safety and quality, accelerate the construction progress to minimize impact on local business activities.
He emphasized that the focus of community upgrading is not simply "having a project," but more importantly, whether it will improve the local environment and benefit residents after completion.
"What residents of Jubba are looking forward to is a project that truly improves the community environment. I hope the City Council will take the opinions of residents and businesses seriously, do a good job with the project, and complete it as soon as possible."