(Kuching, 27th) – The Public Works Department has commenced upgrading works for the temporary diversion routes of Batu Kitang Road and Haji Baki Road, which are expected to be completed within a few days.
Batu Kitang area assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang stated that the relevant works were initiated due to poor conditions of the temporary diversion roads. Continuous rainfall caused the road surface to be littered with gravel and sand, resulting in uneven and muddy conditions, and leading to severe traffic congestion from morning till night.
He said: “As soon as the weather permits, repair works will begin immediately, as compaction and paving works cannot be done in the rain. The Public Works Department had previously agreed to promptly improve the diversion routes, including widening the roadway, strengthening the road base, compacting the surface, and using asphalt premix to ensure the road is smooth and even.”
He made these remarks to reporters while visiting the work site on Monday to inspect the progress, adding that the move aims to ensure smooth and safe travel for road users.
He said the upgraded road section is about the length of four lamp posts, with each section being about 150 feet. Works began on Monday and are estimated to be completed within two to three days.
He pointed out that asphalt paving and compaction cannot proceed during rain, but the contractor, PPES Works Sdn Bhd, had prepared all necessary equipment, so overall progress would not be much affected.
"I also urge the Public Works Department to ensure the road repair is done properly, especially regarding the resurfacing works using asphalt premix and compaction. In addition, protective layers on the steel sheet piles need to be increased, and access roads to the work site are currently under construction as well.”
He added that the Public Works Department estimated the main repair work would take three weeks, but he is cautious about meeting this timeframe; thus, he prioritized the upgrading of the alternative roads.
On another note, Lo Khere Chiang noted that slope reinforcement and steel plate installation works are still ongoing for the original road, after which resurfacing works can begin.
He also stated that the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department plans to provide sturdier supporting structures for the relevant water pipes to enhance safety and durability.
"The repair works for the damaged water pipe have been completed. The water leakage incident occurred about two weeks ago, which briefly caused traffic congestion, but emergency repairs were swiftly completed," he said.
Batu Kitang area assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang stated that the relevant works were initiated due to poor conditions of the temporary diversion roads. Continuous rainfall caused the road surface to be littered with gravel and sand, resulting in uneven and muddy conditions, and leading to severe traffic congestion from morning till night.
He said: “As soon as the weather permits, repair works will begin immediately, as compaction and paving works cannot be done in the rain. The Public Works Department had previously agreed to promptly improve the diversion routes, including widening the roadway, strengthening the road base, compacting the surface, and using asphalt premix to ensure the road is smooth and even.”
He made these remarks to reporters while visiting the work site on Monday to inspect the progress, adding that the move aims to ensure smooth and safe travel for road users.
He pointed out that asphalt paving and compaction cannot proceed during rain, but the contractor, PPES Works Sdn Bhd, had prepared all necessary equipment, so overall progress would not be much affected.
"I also urge the Public Works Department to ensure the road repair is done properly, especially regarding the resurfacing works using asphalt premix and compaction. In addition, protective layers on the steel sheet piles need to be increased, and access roads to the work site are currently under construction as well.”
He added that the Public Works Department estimated the main repair work would take three weeks, but he is cautious about meeting this timeframe; thus, he prioritized the upgrading of the alternative roads.
On another note, Lo Khere Chiang noted that slope reinforcement and steel plate installation works are still ongoing for the original road, after which resurfacing works can begin.
He also stated that the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department plans to provide sturdier supporting structures for the relevant water pipes to enhance safety and durability.
"The repair works for the damaged water pipe have been completed. The water leakage incident occurred about two weeks ago, which briefly caused traffic congestion, but emergency repairs were swiftly completed," he said.