Repair works on Batu Kitang/Hj Baki stretch being undertaken, assures rep

KUCHING (Jan 26): The necessary works on Jalan Batu Kitang/Jalan Haji Baki near here are being undertaken, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has assured.

He highlighted this when met yesterday during the inspection on the section affected by the recent landslide and pipe burst.

The elected representative admitted that the resulting bad traffic situation could not continue.

“This road is used by many residents to go to work, send their children to school and for their daily movements.”

Lo said the pipe burst, which occurred some two weeks ago, adversely affected three sections of the 1.05km pipeline.

“The pipeline serves not only the Haji Baki and Batu Kitang areas, as it is also a major water supply line for many parts of Kuching.

“Something like this happened, the whole of Kuching got affected.

“Proper structural support including pillars, foundations and reinforcements for the pipeline are very important,” he told reporters at the site.

According to Lo, the pipeline works should take about three weeks.

“Once the road embankment is completed, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (SWSB) will proceed with its next phase of planning, which includes lifting the pipes onto a permanent and solid platform.

“The public should not worry as the water supply will not be interrupted for now, and the pressure (the cause behind the supply interruptions) on the repaired pipe should not cause a problem in the coming months.

“This is why we have the engineers, who will also foresee problems and address them properly,” he said, citing heavy rain as major cause of the incident.

On the alternative route, Lo acknowledged the complaints about the road surface being ‘torn, uneven and without proper premix’.

“JKR has agreed to immediately improve the alternative road by widening it, strengthening the foundation, rolling the surface and applying premix so that it would be smooth and even; thus, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for motorists.

“Should it rain, the premix and rolling works could not be carried out.

“Still, PPES Works would have all the necessary equipment – this should not be difficult.

“I also urge the JKR (Public Works Department) to ensure that the road is being repaired properly, especially the resurfacing works.

“Additional protective layers of the sheet piles are also required, and an access road leading down to the site is currently under construction.

“The JKR estimates that 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.

Lo also noted that the existing road, namely Jalan Batu Kitang, could not be widened at this stage, but he also reminded the public that the state government had already planned a four-lane carriageway stretching from Mile 7 near the city to Bau District.

“Works are already underway, covering from Bau to Bumbok and from Jalan Stephen Yong, with Mile 7 to follow,” he added.

On the collapse, Lo said it occurred after a pipe burst at a section of Jalan Haji Baki/Jalan Batu Kitang, causing soil erosion and loss of ground support.

“The incident struck at around 2am on Jan 9.

“Water supply disruptions in affected areas such as Batu Kitang were resolved within four days, and an alternative road has been in place and in use since Jan 11.

“I would also like to thank the SWSB, JKR and PPES Works for their cooperation and ongoing efforts, and also to the residents for their patience and understanding.

“This is not a situation anyone wants, but one caused by unpredictable weather conditions.
“Together, we will ensure that the best is being done for Sarawak,” he said.