DAP urges the Works
Ministry to explain more positively why after scrapping the Scenic
Bridge, the Government may still have to spend RM740 million. Can this
be reduced?
Press Statement
by Dr
Tan Seng Giaw
(Kepong ,
Friday):
I issued a statement on 16 June, 2006, after the
Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sends a letter
requesting the the Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to attend a
special PAC meeting on 22 June, 2006. Samy has been unhappy over the
mentioning of RM100 million compensation to the contractor, Gerbang
Perdana Sdn Bhd.
At 9.30 a.m. on 22 inst., we shall be waiting for Samy at the
Committee Room in Parliament. We hope he will turn up to make
intelligible to the PAC the further expenditure after the cancellation
of the Johor Scenic Bridge, including the amount of compensation to
the contractor for the loss of profits.
The Gerbang Selatan integrated project costs RM2.379 billion,
integrated CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) building being
RM1.266 billion and scenic road and rail bridges RM1.113 billion.
After cancelling the Scenic Bridge, the Works Ministry has to proceed
with eight scopes of works including the elevated bridge, the one-kilometre
permanent link between the causeway with the new CIQ building.
During the special PAC meeting, we expect Samy to tell us the ways to
reduce the cost for the remedial works without the Scenic Bridge. For
example, the 15-metre high elevated bridge is estimated at RM280
million, connecting roads RM190 million, preliminary works done RM170
million and compensation to the contractor RM100 million. The Claims
Committee has its own criteria.
According to usual estimates, every kilometre of a four-lane elevated
bridge costs RM20 million, six-lane RM40-50 million and eight-lane
RM75 million. In an unusual circumstance, the above-stated eight-lane
elevated bridge costs RM280 million. This arouses suspicion. It
requires the Works Minister to come personally to cut the Gordian
knot.
(16/06/2006)
*
Dr
Tan Seng Giaw,
DAP
National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong
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