KUCHING: The upgrading works on the temporary diversion road along Jalan Batu Kitang and Jalan Haji Baki have already begun and are expected to be completed within a few days.
Batu Kitang state assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, said the works were initiated following worsening traffic congestion caused by the poor condition of the diversion road that was covered with small stones and gravel, uneven and muddy due to continuous rainfall.
This resulted in a severe traffic congestion from early morning until late evening.
“Repair works will commence once weather conditions permit, as compaction and paving work cannot be carried out during rain.
“Public Works Department (PWD) had agreed earlier to immediately improve the alternative road by widening it, strengthening the foundation, rolling the surface and applying premix so that it will be smooth and even.
“This is also to ensure a smooth and safe journey for road users,” he said when met by reporters during his working site visit in the area on Monday.
The improvement works, covering a distance equivalent to about four streetlights, each roughly 150 feet long, began on Monday and are expected to be completed within two to three days.
“If it rains, premix and rolling works cannot be carried out, but PPES Works Sdn Bhd has all the necessary equipment. This should not be difficult.
“I also urged PWD to ensure the road is repaired properly, especially the resurfacing works using ‘premix and rolling.’
“Additional protective layers of the sheet piles are also required and an access road leading down to the site is currently under construction.
“While PWD estimates the main repairs will take three weeks. I actually doubt that it could be completed within three weeks, which is why I am pushing for the alternative road to be upgraded first,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lo added that the original road is still undergoing slope strengthening and the installation of steel sheets before resurfacing work can be carried out.
He also said that Sarawak Water has plans to build a strong support structure for the pipeline to make it safer and more durable.
“The repair works on the damaged pipe have been completed. The pipe leakage incident occurred about two weeks ago, and although it caused traffic congestion, the repair work was completed quickly,” he said.
