Damaged gangway structure collapses
SARIKEI: The damaged gangway of Sarikei Express Wharf finally collapsed yesterday morning after being left unrepaired for about six months.
Photographs of the collapsed wharf were circulated via WhatsApp and posted on social media by curious citizens.
Acting controller of Sarawak Rivers Board ( SRB), Abang Mohamad Abang Naili when contacted told The Borneo Post that the collapsed structure in the picture is one of the three gangways at the wharf.
“Two of the gangways are still in good condition and safe to use,” he said.
“The one that collapsed was no longer in use for a long time and the public can use the two other gangways,” he added.
He said the structure was damaged since April this year and they were waiting for Public Works Department (PWD) to build a new one.
“I was in a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk (Amar) Awang Tengah (Ali Hasan) when you called just now. We are aware of the situation and will cordon off the area for public safety,” he told The Borneo Post.
Abang Mohamad explained that although the wharf’s daytoday operation comes under SRB’s purview, the structural work is under the jurisdiction of PWD.
However, SRB will coordinate and liaise with PWD on the repair, he added.
Meanwhile, Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii told The Borneo Post that he was monitoring the case of the collapsed wharf closely with PWD and SRB.
“I am working closely with PWD and SRB to solve this issue. For your info, PWD is preparing tender documents which will be out one to two weeks from now,” he said via WhatsApp.
He explained that the delay was due to his personal request for PWD and SRB to change the scope of work.
“( There is) slight delay of the work as I personally requested PWD and LSS ( SRB) to change work scope from repairing to replacement of all pontoon and railings affected,” he added.
He said this is necessary for the safety of users in the long run.