Can we have a full report of the Kepong flyover (MRR2) saga?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls for a full report of the MRR2 saga, consistent with the principles of the National Integrity Plan. We need transparency and accountability which are also important for the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The Kepong flyover that is part of the Middle Ring Road 2(MRR2) has been closed for repair since 3 February, 2006. Up to 150,000 motorists use it everyday. The project, that cost over RM300 million, began in 1999. By 2000, cracks appeared in 31 out of 33 crossbeams. At least eight foreign consultants had been appointed for the project. At the end of 2004, the British consultant, Halcrow Group, found a chemical compound ettringite in the cracks. Ettringite forms under special conditons such as a temperature of 70 degree Celcius. It requires plenty of water to expand, causing further cracks. In January, 2005, Halcrow recommended that the Public Works Department (JKR) water-proof the cracks immediately. But, JKR dithered. Why?

On 2nd February, 2006, the Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and JKR engineers briefed the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Next day, the PM announced the closure of the flyover.

As there are alternative roads for motorists, so far traffic around MRR2 is not congested. We see traffic police.

The contractor, Bumihiway Consortium, undertakes the repair works, estimated at RM18 million. It will take three to four months. During this period, there should be a squad of traffic police to direct the traffic. The squad should be aided by the City Hall Kuala Lumpur and the Transport Ministry to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

The Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister's Department plans projects such as MRR2. The Ministry of Finance appoints contractors and finance the projects. JKR provides minimal supervision. Can MRR2 saga be avoided? There should be a full report of the saga, revealing where things had gone wrong and those responsible.