MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has authorised the divisional Public Works Department (JKR) in the state to manage all projects in their respective divisions, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said the Sarawak government has restructured the Sarawak JKR a er receiving feedback from the elected representatives.

“Previously, we had the regional office and divisional office. Most of the big works were done by the regional office. The YBs (elected representatives) were not satisfied because of many issues such as damaged and collapsed roads.

“To deal with the problem, the Premier has decided to authorise the divisional JKRs to manage all departmental projects at the divisional level,” he said.

Uggah said this when representing Abang Johari to officiate at the Federation of Miri Division Chinese Associations’ Chinese New Year dinner, here Saturday.

Uggah said through the restructuring, he believed the Sarawak JKR would be able to provide be er service to the people.

“If we look at social media, many know (how) to blame us but no one appreciates the good work that has been done,” he added.

Earlier, state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin in his speech emphasised on the urgent need to upgrade three roads in Miri to dual-carriageways due to serious traffic congestion at these roads, especially during peak hours.

Lee said the roads that need to be upgraded are the Pan Borneo Pujut bypass traffic light to the Pujut Corner roundabout; Padang Kerbau road to the Miri Hospital junction traffic light; and Jalan Cahaya.

Uggah, in his response, said JKR will propose the project under this year’s mid-term review.

Meanwhile, Uggah said the state government will try its best to resolve the problem faced by Miri Port, which he described as the ‘artery’ of economic development.

He also assured everyone that all efforts are being made to ensure that the dream for Miri Port will become a reality.

He said under the Post Covid19 Development Strategy 2030, his ministry has been tasked to come up with a masterplan to improve the efficiency of ports in Sarawak.