SRB calls for special taskforce in charge of wharf facilities
A section of a ramp is barely passable due to the damage.
SIBU: There is a proposal for the setup of a special taskforce to look after wharf facilities here.
Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) member Chieng Buong Toon believes that such structure should serve as an avenue for local boat operators to voice out suggestions, complaints or issues.
“I will raise the proposal in SRB meeting in Kuching on Nov 26,” he said yesterday, adding that the proposed committee would look after the facilities at the Tua Pek Kong and Kapit wharf here.
On Monday night, four ramps used for cargo operations at Tua Pek Kong Wharf were damaged due to the impact of a drifted barge. The following day, the first pontoon from downstream took in water and sank following days of downpour, coupled with high tide.
On this, Chieng remarked: “I think the setup of this special taskforce is most ideal as it is very helpful towards running day-to-day operations at these wharfs. It will also help to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
“Also through the proposed committee, boat operators can come and see us directly, from which we can forward their concerns to SRB headquarters.
“At the very least, they would have a platform to channel their concerns, feedback or even complaints.
“In fact, this will allow for regular meetings slated for ironing out any issue rather than (only take action) when an incident has happened.
“As of now, they don’t have such avenue,” he told reporters after inspecting the damaged ramps.
Asked if he was confident about the realisation of the proposed taskforce, he said: “I think they (SRB) should (set it up).”
On the damaged ramps, Chieng said he received a call on Thursday about the matter and after the inspection yesterday, he verified that the situation was quite serious not only because it was causing inconvenience to
the operators, but also it was posing danger to those handling loading and uploading activities there.
“This warrants immediate attention. As far as I know, the SRB here has informed the Kuching office about the matter.
“I understand that there is an allocation for SRB under the 11MP (11th Malaysia Plan) to carry out upgrading works on wharfs in Sarawak.
However, this will take time.
“Still, I think we must do something; otherwise, it is inconvenient and can be very dangerous. I will call (SRB) Kuching to relay my suggestion and also on boat operators to do immediate repairs.”
On the submerged pontoon at Kapit Wharf along Khoo Peng Loong Road here, Chieng disclosed that the Wednesday incident was not the first time *******– it had happened several times this year.
This, he added, spoke volumes on the need for a special taskforce to handle such a situation, in that boats remained a vital means of public transportation here, despite having many areas that could be accessed via roads.
Meanwhile, SRB controller William Jinep told The Borneo Post that the board was calling for quotations with regard to repair works on the ramps and safety railings.
He also mentioned that SRB was requesting for funds to upgrade all the pontoons here, in Sarikei and Bintangor.
The inspection yesterday was also joined by Sarawak Express Boats Association Third, Sixth and Seventh Divisions chairman Lau Hieng Choon.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/11/21/srb-calls-for-special-taskforce-in-charge-of-wharf-facilities/#ixzz3sIKbzesG
My comments:
With this additional article, I believe the whole world will have the clear picture of what has happened here in Sibu, Sarawak, Borneo.
