Fix problematic pontoons, Rivers Board told
SIBU: Bukit Assek state assemblywoman Irene Chang called on Sarawak Rivers Board to permanently fix problematic pontoons at the riverfront.
She said the fenders were missing and connecting chains between pontoons broken and in ruins.
“I have received regular complaints about the dire state of the pontoons and, to be fair, I understand that after each complaint, they would go and make the necessary repairs.”
However, to avoid wasting time and money by making constant temporary repairs, Sarawak Rivers Board has to look into claims that the constant missing fenders and broken connecting chains were the outcome of the metal bridges at the wharf not having proper weight measurements.
“They are too heavy for the pontoons, unbalanced and become slanted, causing the chain connectors between pontoons to break.”
She said the slanting end of the pontoons would be constantly submerged in water, causing moss and fungi to grow, which make the surface slippery to walk on.
Streams of people load and unload their cargoes — some wearing slippers — hurrying on and off the metal bridge and onto the pontoons with heavy boxes on their shoulders. It was easy for them to slip on the slippery surface.
“Sarawak Rivers Board need to address this issue once and for all as maintenance of the wharf is now under their authority. They need to address the source of the problem and replace the metal bridges with those of the right weight and measurements.”
She said they should also consider getting the contractor who constructed metal bridges to rectify the condition.
Prior to the replacement, Sarawak Rivers Board need to ensure regular extraction of water from the pontoons and refloating them.
“I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the thousands of empty bottles and rubbish thrown indiscriminately into the edge of the river at the wharf.
“Besides being an eyesore, the rubbish is unhygienic, causing bad odour and toxic waste that negatively impact the environment and health of people.”
She said the authorities need to remove this waste and strictly enforce the anti-littering bylaw.
“This refers not only to the rubbish thrown into the edge of the river but also constant littering in Sibu town. Despite the anti-littering law and SMC regularly announcing the number of people compounded, most parts of the town still experience indiscriminate littering in front of coffee shops and sundry shops.”
She said since compounding was not working, the council has to get their enforcement unit to work out ways to encourage people not to litter.
More covered rubbish bins should be made available in public places, she suggested.
The habit of keeping the environment clean has to be instilled in the people.
“I call on the council to discharge their duty diligently without having to be badgered by various quarters.”