KUCHING – Sarawak Public Works Department JKR has reiterated its commitment to road safety and project monitoring in the wake of an unannounced visit to the Jalan Matang road upgrading site earlier in the week.
The visit was led by Sarawak Public Works Director, YBhg. Datu Adj. Prof. Ir. Ts. Gs. Br. PMr. Dr. Cassidy anak Morris, had to visit the construction site himself to have an update on the long running infrastructure project. The check also centred on traffic flow for daily commuters at one of Kuching’s most congested arteries.
The Jalan Matang is one of the main arteries connecting residential areas to town and gets quite congested during peak hours. That construction has elicited regular criticism from motorists, especially regarding congestion and safety risks at work zones.
While visiting the station, Dr. Cassidy studied traffic and visited with staff to review mitigation efforts in place. The inspection was to ensure that comfort and safety of road users remain paramount during ongoing construction activities.
JKR Sarawak has implemented a good deal of traffic management improvements to the site. This activation involves enabling signals recently installed as part of a local construction project; the opening of two new, temporary travel lanes and work to install barriers and transition from striped lane markings to permanent concrete; and an increased presence by Traffic Control Officers at critical intersections during peak hours.
According to JKR these measures help to alleviate congestion and prevent excessive obstruction of the road, especially during peak hours of heavy morning and evening traffic. Temporary actions are being closely monitored to enable near real-time shifts if needed.
Dr. Cassidy emphasised safety cannot be let go in the rush to keep construction on track. He directed the compliance of all contractors and supervisory staff with the approved traffic management plan at all stages of the project.
He also emphasised the need for new facilities to be delivered as quickly as possible without compromising public wellbeing. Furthermore, he added that any disregard for rules to protect safety could subject road users and workers to undue danger.
Drivers, meanwhile, were advised to be patient and give right of way to each other within the construction zone. JKR admitted that some disturbance is expected as it is temporary, however the cooperation and understanding of the public is very vital to ensure a smooth delivery of a project.
The Jalan Matang improvement is part of Sarawak’s overall infrastructure development plan to enhance accessibility, reduce traffic congestion issues and accommodate urban expansion. The same road enhancement work is being carried out over some other major towns and in Kuching too.
JKR Sarawak said it would uphold responsible project implementation and that monitoring works on site will be a significant role in the oversight.
The department said these initiatives reflect its ethos of We Build For You which has been a long held value putting public safety, quality workmanship and long term considerations at the heart of all development projects.
