KUCHING: Projects implemented under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) are progressing according to plan, with no “sick projects” recorded to date.
GKCDA special administrative officer Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said continuous monitoring, strict governance mechanisms and close coordination among implementing agencies have ensured that projects approved under the GKCDA framework remain on track in terms of timelines, cost and quality.
“So far, there are no sick projects under GKCDA. Every project is being closely monitored from the planning stage right through to implementation to ensure smooth execution.
“Recently, we were informed by the contractors that they could not complete two projects next week due to incremental weather in December,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Ik said the two project cost a few hundred thousand ringgit, adding that the contractor had asked for the extensions because the floods last month had washed away their foundation structure at the site, affecting its completion schedule.
He noted that in cases like this, they have to go on ground to see the situation themselves.
“Upon inspecting the site, we allow the extension period. But actually it was a blessing in disguise. Having seen that the road and the bridge are flooded, they raised the level by two feet.
“Except for these two projects, which are slightly delayed, all the small projects that cost less than RM1 million, were completed ahead of time,” he said.
Ik Pahon said if the agency encounters any sick projects, they will certainly intervene like going on site visits, having site meetings and explain to the contractors on the causes of the delay.
He said if it really happened because of natural disaster or incremental weather, there is nothing they could do because it is a cause of nature.
“If they said they don’t have enough workers, they have no material on site, that one we can automatically blacklist them. A lot of them don’t dare now. If they are blacklisted other implementing agencies will not want them.
“There are projects worth millions out there aside from that in GKCDA. If they are good, they can join many tenders. But if in their first project, it is delayed, they don’t have workers, no material on site, I’m sure the implementing agencies will blacklist them,” he said.
Ik Pahon explained that the agency normally adopts a proactive approach by identifying potential issues early, allowing corrective measures to be taken before delays or cost overruns occur.
This includes regular site visits, progress reporting and coordination meetings with contractors and relevant government departments.
In term of quality of works, he said overall the agency was satisfied with the contractors’ performance.
“Normally, during the handing over of completed projects, we insist the elected representatives who identified the projects to attend. If there is any comment from them, the contractor will rectify it immediately.
“So far so good. The YBs are quite happy. If they don’t do a good job, I’m sure the YBs will also be angry with them, which is fair, because let’s say the road is not good, the villagers will complain; some may even accuse the YB of taking bribes, when there is no such thing.
“Of course, in any constituency, there are bound to be people who like to make accusations or dislike the YB,” he said.
According to Ik Pahon, the agencies involved in the implementation of GKCDA projects also places strong emphasis on project readiness before approval, including feasibility studies, land matters and technical assessments, to minimise implementation risks.
