‘Ensure quality of project before issuance of certificate of completion’

KUCHING: Both the state Public Works Department (JKR) and Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBLAB) must work together with the consultants of the Mukah Water Supply Construction ( BAM) project for seven consecutive days to ensure the quality of the project before the certificate of completion could be issued, said the Auditor- General’s (AG’s) Report 2016 Series 2, which was released yesterday.

According to the report, the project which cost RM213 million to implement, is now 97.1 per cent completed.

However, the report stated that the design, work quality, testing and commissioning as well as water pressure at the distribution system were less satisfactory and should be rectified entirely to ensure an effective and efficient project management.

The report stated that the project contract was obtained through open tender and offered to four contractors at a value of RM200.96 million.

The allocation received by JKR Sarawak from the federal government via the Regional Corridor Development Authority ( Recoda) for the BAM project from 2013 to 2017, stood at RM213.6 million; overall expenditure as at August this year was RM207.31 million – or 91.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, the AG’s Report also suggested that the Sarawak Forestry Corporation ( SFC) improve its staff quarters and lodging houses for guests at Niah, Lambir and Bako national parks.

The report also requested SFC to provide better services at all the national parks and set up more comfortable accommodations for its visitors.

The report noted that SFC had requested RM24 million from the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources under the Mid-Term Review (2019-2020).

However, the report revealed that SFC had been able to manage its resources and income well, as it managed to record gross profit of RM18.6 million last year with profit before tax at RM9.93 million.

This was against a two-year consecutive loss of RM2.06 in 2014, and RM3.33 in 2015.