Warning on flyover collapse

This is what I read on NST today.

The defective 1.7km stretch of flyover on the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) will collapse within two years if repairs are not done immediately.

This warning comes from the British-based Halcrow Group Limited which was engaged to do a study after cracks appeared on the stretch between Kepong Indah and the Damansara-Puchong Highway last year. Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, who met representatives from Halcrow today, said consultants from the company had forwarded their report to the Public Works Department (PWD) in March but as of today, nothing had been done to ensure the MRR2 was safe."We do not understand why the PWD has not responded to the recommendations made by Halcrow. It has been almost seven months and no remedial works have been carried out. "The safety of MRR2 is questionable," he said, adding that the project has seen the appointment of eight consultants, both local as well as from the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany.The flyover, which runs from Kepong Indah to the Damansara-Puchong Highway, was closed to traffic since Aug 9 last year after cracks and structural movements were detected. The stretch is part of the RM238 million Package 11 of the MRR2 project.Four lanes of the MRR2 were re-opened in November last year, but two lanes on each stretch remained closed for observation and tests by Halcrow."PAC found that the flyover, part of the MRR2, is too wide and has six lanes. When we build such a structure which is elevated, problems arise in terms of construction."This was brought to our attention by Halcrow and it was found that there are certain remedial works which need to be done to ensure the safety of MRR2."But the contractor has not done anything and we also do not understand why the PWD has not followed up on this matter," he said.Shahrir said the PAC would be meeting PWD officials next Friday.PWD officials could not be reached for comment.

However, Works Minister Datuk Seri Samy Vellu said on Sept 25 that structural repairs on the flyover would begin this month and completed by July next year.

As always, the person highlighted in red will always say the works will be carry out soon and finish soon. Fuck.