KUCHING: A concrete slab in the new multi-level car park of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) was reported to have failed the standard core test in meeting technical specifications due to the use of sub-standard concrete.
Disclosing this yesterday in a press statement, Kuching Member of Parliament, Dr Kevin Yii, said following a public tip-off about a possible construction defect, he made an unannounced visit to the project site and was furnished with the relevant documents and reports by the project developer and concessionaire, Asaljuru Weida Sdn Bhd (AWSB), which confirmed the issues encountered during construction.
He said the developer also confirmed that the facts were already brought up to the relevant authorities such as the Public Works Department (JKR), Health Ministry (KKM), Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) and Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
AWSB also disclosed that instructions to demolish the faulty slab were already served on the sub-contractor responsible for it.
“I have been to the site a few times to closely inspect the progress of the car park and hospital upgrades as it is of public interest,” said Dr Yii.
“This setback would likely delay the construction of one of the blocks. However, the developer has assured that they are doing their best to mitigate the situation.
“They have also given an assurance that any delay would not use additional public funds, but would affect the duration of their concession agreement.”
He hoped that the sub-contractor concerned would be able to rectify the problem promptly.
According to him, the delays in the construction of Petra Jaya Hospital has added extra traffic to the SGH, meaning that the much needed upgrades at the older hospital must be completed quickly for the benefit of the people.
“But because the safety of all hospital users is a top priority, any defect in the car park must be tackled efficiently,” he said.
“We do not want the project to be rushed at the expense of the structural integrity of the building. The lives of patients and staff are at stake as well as the public.
“Hospitals are always filled with people and that is why the car park must be safe and secure. I, therefore, commend the developer for their action and transparency in ensuring that their contractors perform to the required standard.
“Acts of gross negligence on the part of contractors or sub-contractors are unprofessional and unethical especially when they involve the construction of public amenities. I urge the government to adopt a demerit system that penalises contractors who are negligent and unprofessional,” he said.
