KUCHING: Contractors involved in implementing the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project must bear full responsibility for utility disruptions, including recurring burst water pipe incidents affecting Tabuan Jaya and surrounding areas.
According to the Mayor of Kuching South City Council, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, once a project site is handed over to contractors, all issues occurring within the area fall under their responsibility.
He stressed that the public should not continue placing blame on Sarawak Water or other utility agencies, as the works at the site are being carried out by project contractors.
“People need to clearly understand that once a construction site is handed over to the contractor, it becomes their site.
“Whatever happens there is their responsibility. That is why when roads are damaged or develop potholes, we ask the contractors to repair them,” he said when speaking to reporters after the MBKS Community Market and Hawker Reunion Luncheon here yesterday (May 10).
Wee said the repeated utility disruptions have significantly affected the daily lives of residents and business operators.
“Coffee shop operators and food premises are among the most affected because they depend heavily on the water supply for daily operations.
“If they cannot operate for even one day, they lose their income entirely. People may forgive it if it happens once, but when it happens repeatedly, how long can the public continue to tolerate it?” he said.
On the flood mitigation project at Jalan Mendu, he explained that delays occurred after excavation works uncovered a major underground water pipe, which required utility agencies to relocate it before construction could proceed.
He said the process takes time, as construction cannot proceed without safety procedures and approval from relevant utility agencies, such as the Kuching Water Board (KWB) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SESCO).
“We cannot simply interfere with utility lines that do not belong to us. If there is a SESCO cable, then SESCO must come first.
“The same applies to telecommunications cables and other utilities. All these matters must comply with established safety procedures,” he explained.
Wee also urged politicians not to create negative perceptions towards development projects without fully understanding the actual situation on the ground.
“Everyone wants the projects to be completed as quickly as possible. Contractors themselves want the projects completed early so they can claim payment.
“So do not worsen the situation or create unnecessary anger among the public,” he said.
