RM4 mln spent on maintaining roads in MBKS areas
KUCHING: The Council of Kuching City South ( MBKS) has incurred about RM4 million in the first quarter of this year on the maintenance of roads and drains in areas under its jurisdiction.
Mayor Datuk James Chan said the city council would continue maintaining roads and drains in MBKS areas, thereby adding to the cost.
According to him, MBKS spent RM54 million (federal funded) on roads and drains upkeep over the last two years (2015 and 2016).
“That’s why roads in MBKS area are in good condition and we are now focusing a lot on drains. For this year, we don’t have the actual figure but I think about RM4 million has already been spent.
“Only three months have gone by this year with Chinese New Year a time when all work stopped for quite a while. RM4 million was incurred but we continue to repair and will thus incur more cost,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
Chan said there were many dilapidated drains in MBKScontrolled areas that required immediate and regular fixing.
He and the council cared enough to mend 40-year- old drains to benefit the people of Kuching City South.
“One must remember that most those drains were inherited from past developers, and they break down after a number of years.”
MBKS will strive to repair broken drains to facilitate the flow of water particularly during sudden heavy downpours, he pledged.
“I hope more such work can be carried out properly and professionally to ensure Kuching is a nice city to live in.”
Asked which areas had dilapidated drains, Chan said: “From what I know, practically all parts of Kuching City South have such bad drains.”
He went on to say that Kuching City South is actually the “old centre of Kuching” but was quick to point out newer areas like Tabuan Jaya, Hui Sing Garden and Pending.
He said MBKS had been receiving requests and feedback from residents in housing estates.
“MBKS makes efforts to prioritise the repair and we have to deal with every feedback. I am happy to receive feedback that have been mostly constructive, and MBKS staff have been up to the mark in resolving most of them.”
On funds, Chan said MBKS had “no problem” getting funds to repair roads and drains, given that the government has been supportive of the council in fulfilling its responsibility to take care of the community’s needs.