________________
Media Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw  
___________________

(Kuala Lumpur, Thursday) : I call on the Works Ministry to make public the detailed expenditure for the Kepong MRR2 (flyover) project, including the real expenditure for the repair of the extensive cracks.

Today, we are happy to celebrate Federal Territory Day with the myriad programmes at Merdeka Square, officiated by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The PM is visibly happy. In the midst of the celebration, we look at cetain unhappy things such as the Kepong MRR2 saga.

At the end of last year, the Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu announced the complete opening of the flyover, three lanes in each direction. While this shows that the repair works is completed, we are still waiting for the details of the expenditure on the flyover as well as the actual cost of the repair.

Kepong MRR2 is virtually similar to many flyovers along the Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2. So far, other flyovers show no defects. Kepong MRR2 has 33 cross beams, 31 of which were cracked.

In 2006, the Works Minister went to the Prime Minister to announce the appointment of a British consultant to do the repair of the cracks for RM14 million. Two weeks later, the Works Ministry had the approval of the Cabinet to replace the British with a German sonsultant, costing RMN40 million. Now, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu admitted that the repair cost was RM70 million.

When the PM made the announcement, the cost of the repair was to be borne by the contractor. Hitherto, the Government has paid first.

We need to know the details of the total cost of the Kepong MRR2 project, including the heavy repair. Who pays for the repair?
 

(1/2/2007)