Road Maintenance Urged to Increase Patrols to Detect Infrastructure Damage
Minister of Works Urges Proactive Measures to Ensure Road Safety
Shah Alam: Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, has urged the Public Works Department (JKR) and road maintenance concessionaires to increase patrols to detect infrastructure damage, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Importance of Proactive Measures
Nanta emphasized that the responsible parties should not adopt a careless attitude or take road damage lightly, as it could pose a safety risk. "Let’s not wait for an issue to go viral before taking action. I have stressed this message repeatedly, and I hope all parties, including the ministry’s team and its agencies, will take more proactive steps in monitoring this situation," he said in a statement on Facebook.
Responsibility of Contractors and Concessionaires
Nanta stated that contractors handling projects on Federal roads must also take responsibility for repairing road damage to ensure the safety of road users on those routes. He emphasized that no matter how small the damage, such complaints should not be taken lightly as they concern safety and human lives.
Factors Contributing to Road Damage
Many factors contribute to damage, including aging roads, heavy vehicles, and severe weather conditions. "Even a palm-sized pothole poses a risk to road users, especially motorcyclists. This concerns human lives and cannot be overlooked," he said.
Prioritizing Frequent Patrolling
"It is therefore essential for the concession companies responsible to prioritise frequent patrols on the roads they manage to ensure safety," he said.
Addressing Specific Issues
Regarding the issue raised by Azmizam, Nanta stressed that he took the matter seriously and was informed that JKR Klang had swiftly patched the potholes and repaired the damaged road surface at the expansion joint, which was caused by heavy rain on December 1. He also clarified that Jalan Pelabuhan Klang Utara, which was also mentioned by Azmizam, is no longer under RCSB’s concession, but has been the responsibility of the Klang Container Terminal upgrade project owner since October 20, 2016.
Conclusion
The Minister’s call for increased patrols and proactive measures to detect infrastructure damage is crucial in ensuring the safety of road users. It is essential for all parties involved, including JKR and concessionaires, to take responsibility for their roles in maintaining the infrastructure and addressing issues promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important to increase patrols to detect infrastructure damage?
A: Increasing patrols can help detect damage before it becomes a safety risk, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring the well-being of road users.
Q: What are some common causes of road damage?
A: Aging roads, heavy vehicles, and severe weather conditions are some common causes of road damage.
Q: What is the role of contractors and concessionaires in road maintenance?
A: Contractors and concessionaires are responsible for repairing and maintaining the infrastructure, ensuring the safety of road users on those routes.