Ahmad Zahid warns govt will no longer tolerate errant contractors, no extension of time

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is angered by the delay plaguing the construction of the Sri Aman Hospital.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, issued a stern warning to errant contractors and consultants that the government will no longer tolerate failure to complete construction work and deliver a project on time.

“The construction work of this hospital is 218 days behind schedule!” he exclaimed following a surprise visit yesterday to the construction site of the Sri Aman Hospital, a project that has come under heavy criticism from many quarters over its long delay.

“I will not compromise with either contractors, consultants, or any parties involved in any government projects which are delayed, particularly projects like the Sri Aman Hospital in which the interests and welfare of the people will be affected.”

The people of Sri Aman, he stressed, needed the healthcare facility to seek treatment and care and, as such, special attention and priority must be given to complete the project.

Ahmad Zahid also warned that the contractors will not be given extension of time or OT (overtime) because they ought to give utmost priority to complete the projects undertaken on time.

“I will come again (to Sarawak) and with the chief minister (Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg) and other federal ministers, we will sit down and discuss with all state and federal stakeholders to look into each and every government project which has been delayed or abandoned.”

Construction of the Sri Aman Hospital, which costs RM150 million, started in early 2015 and is expected to be completed by 2018.

The project, however, has been plagued by delay after delay and had faced criticisms over the years.

“Even though this project (Sri Aman Hospital) is not under my ministry but as a leader, I will assist in accelerating the construction progress of the project,” assured Ahmad Zahid when met by the press at the Home Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration with the community at the Old KPSU field here.

State Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim, meanwhile, explained that the changes in material for piling alone had caused the project – due for completion by Oct 25, 2018 – to be delayed by five months.

The contractor, in defence, said the shortage of workers was among the problems which had contributed to the delay, but promised to increase the number of workers to get back on track.

At the Aidilfitri programme, Zahid presented grants to four community associations and also presented identification documents, comprising birth certificates and Mykad, to 11 recipients.

The event, intended at inculcating good values as well as strengthening ties between staff of the ministry and the local community, was attended by some 5,000 people.

Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Deputy Home Ministers Datuk Masir Kujar and Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Karim; Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Datuk Wan Ali Besar; Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Karen Bong

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