What happens to the advice of Halcrow to waterproof the Kepong viaduct immediately?

The Malaysian Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu should explain to the public why the Public Works Department (JKR) has not followed the advice of Halcrow, the British consultant, to waterproof the Kepong viaduct or overhead bridge immediately?

It is encouraging that the minister makes sure that he is in the House to answer questions on his ministry. Energy, Water and Communications Minister is the next minister to reply to the questions raised by members of Parliament during the debate on the 2006 budget at the policy stage.

This bridge is Package 11A of the Middle Ring Road, Kuala Lumpur(MRR2). Works began in 1999. At least eight foreign engineering consultants have been appointed on this package for the design and then the cracks which were noticed in August 2000. Referring to the matter in Parliament today, Samy would like to check just how many consultants have been appointed for the Kepong bridge.

On 8 August, 2004, the Works Minister announced the closure of the bridge to all traffic. On 12 August, 2005, Halcrow was appointed as the new consultant. Since 12 November, 2004, the bridge has been reopened. On what criteria was the bridge closed? Who gave the advice?Without repair it has been reopened. Samy says it was closed because of cracks and reopened on the advice of Halcrow.

On 26 January, 2005 Halcrow advised that the bridge be waterproofed immediately owing to Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF). DEF aggravates the extensive cracks. It needs water. Why has JKR not acted on the advice to prevent further seepage of water in the past eight mnonths?