RM1 billion allocation not enough for repair and maintenance of roads
Published on: Friday, April 26, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
Shahelmey said that in 2023, allocations for repairs and maintenance were allocated for state roads, rural areas, upgrading of Surfaced Road Type (SRT) 2 and SRT 3 roads to SRT 1, municipal and district council roads, as well as agricultural roads.
Kota Kinabalu: The State Government faces a budget deficit in addressing or implementing state road repair and maintenance works, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Shahelmey, who is also Public Works Minister, said that in 2023, allocations for repairs and maintenance were allocated for state roads, rural areas, upgrading of Surfaced Road Type (SRT) 2 and SRT 3 roads to SRT 1, municipal and district council roads, as well as agricultural roads.
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“The total grants received from the Federal Government amounted to RM625 million,” he said in response to Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s question in his Ministry’s winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here on Wednesday.
“Meanwhile, contributions from the State Government amounted to RM350 million.
“Based on the data we have, in 2023, a total of 710 kilometres of state roads are in severe condition.
“Additionally, 126 kilometres of highways are in extremely critical condition. This incurs estimated expenses of around RM1.8 billion.”
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With the available contributions and grants, he said that the government only has an allocation of nearly RM1 billion for this purpose.
Regarding the request from Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob to expedite the WP1 and WP2 works packages of the Pan Borneo Project, Shahelmey said that the Public Works Department (PWD) will take several measures.
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“The Ministry will ensure effective and meticulous monitoring of each work package.
“This includes monitoring progress, specifications, and addressing site issues promptly.
“The Ministry will also reassess the contractor’s work programme.
“The Ministry will closely collaborate with all parties involved, including contractors, consultants, utility providers, and other stakeholders, to resolve issues causing work delays,” he said.
Shahelmey said that the current physical progress at the site is 64 per cent for WP01 and 49 per cent for WP02.
“After reviewing the contractor’s work schedule and considering the latest time extension, these packages are expected to be completed by June 2025 (WP01) and April 2025 (WP02).”
On the issue of stones that do not meet the specified standards, he said that the PWD did not specify that river sandstones cannot be used in construction.
“The contractor is subject to standard Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) procedures on-site.
“The supervisory team always ensures that every material used in construction is tested and inspected before approval is given to the contractor to proceed with construction,” he said.
On safety aspects, he said the Ministry would direct contractors to improve traffic management on-site, especially in packages WP01 and WP02, by providing clearer signboards and taking early action if there are signs of road damage.
“The Ministry will ensure that contractors always adhere to the specified standards and safety regulations.”
Shahelmey also said that the PWD can issue a Non-Compliance Report (NCR) for the delayed implementation of pothole patching works by concessionaire companies, which is one day for protocol roads and three days for non-protocol roads.
On Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang’s question, he said that for the Tenom Kuala Tomani Road, which is adjacent to the Padas River, emergency flood mud cleaning works affecting the roadside drains and sewer pipes had been promptly carried out by the concessionaire company due to river erosion in the area.
“However, the riverbank erosion is worsening and requires large-scale repair works.
“Temporary road diversions have been made on-site, while proposals for these major repair works are being submitted for approval,” he said.
On the road damage issue raised by Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew for the Sapi Nangoh-Kinabatangan Sukau Road, he said, it is attributed to the geological condition of the soil, exacerbated by the issue of overloaded heavy vehicles using the road.
“The existing road structures along this route have exceeded their lifespan, and regular maintenance methods are less effective besides the limited allocations available.
“Previously, PWD initiated a road safety campaign and raised the issue of overloading with the police and Road Transport Department.
“However, the enforcement of overloaded vehicles falls outside PWD’s jurisdiction.
“Nevertheless, the Sabah Works Ministry will liaise with the relevant ministries regarding these issues.”
On the proposal or request from Telupid assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum for PWD’s budget through the Pan Borneo implementation to build a transit or rest stop centre in Telupid, he said that the allocation for this purpose is not available.
“The approved allocation is limited to upgrading existing federal roads only.
“However, PWD will request additional allocations from the Central Government,” he said.
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