KUCHING: Sarawak Public Works Department has been told to lay out plans to rehabilitate 'sick projects' and its immediate post flood response programmes.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the state is facing the monsoon season now and problems of erosion, broken bridges, and damaged roads, among others are expected.
He said the department needs to respond fast especially in determining the repair forward it fast to the government for approval.
"It is a matter of putting in the mechanism and funding. We have seen the situation in last year's floods in Baram where not much has been done."
"The bridge crossing Sungai Tutoh which was swept away has yet to be replaced, probably due to funding issues," he said.
Uggah, who is also the newly-appointed Sarawak Infrastructure and Port Development Minister said this after attending his first briefing conducted by Sarawak PWD director Datuk Ir. Zuraimi Sabki and team of senior officers at the Ministry's office here yesterday.
"We too had seen the recent flood situation in some states in Peninsular Malaysia. But I believe Sarawak is better prepared in comparison," he said.
"In our next meeting, we will discuss 'sick' infrastructure projects. The sooner we can rehabilitate them, the better it is for the state and those concerned.
"Besides, the department post flood response programme is another matter of great concern," he added.
On another matter, Uggah said it was of utmost importance that the government speed up its project delivery commitments through the department.
He said the people had voted overwhelmingly for the GPS government in the recently concluded 12th Sarawak election and the timely delivery of infrastructure projects, particularly in rural areas, had featured highly in the GPS election manifesto.
"So it is a very big expectation from the people, the responsibility and challenges we are facing. This is more so where the terrain is tough and rugged.
"But I am confident we can deliver with the support, commitment and co-operation of all. We have experts in the department and its related agencies," he added.
Uggah stressed that delivery was imperative as the government needed to show some accomplishments within its first 100 days of governing.
His Assistant Minister Aidel Lariwoo and Permanent Secretary Datuk Safri Zainudin were among those joining him at the briefing.
