GEORGE TOWN: THE state government is cracking the whip to get contractors to complete their projects on time.
State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state government viewed the matter seriously.
“All state executive councillors have been directed to make spot checks on projects under their respective purview.
“We have found a number of projects which were not completed on time and many had been given extensions,” he said.
Chow was speaking at a site inspection at the Chowrasta Market, which is undergoing a RM12.1 million renovation, here, recently.
The upgrading works on the 122-year-old building, which houses a wet market and a bazaar, started last year.
It was slated for completion early next year but due to the delay caused by the shifting of underground cables in the area, it will only be completed by the middle of next year.
However, Chow said the cables issue should not be used as an excuse as it should have been taken into account during the planning stage.
He said there were many negative effects when a project is delayed.
In the case of the Chowrasta market, he said the delay was creating parking problems and inconveniencing the traders.
He said to ensure that all projects were being carried out according to schedule, state executive councilors, state agencies, and the two local authorities would have to conduct frequent site inspections.
“Those responsible should not shift their responsibilities but ensure that all projects are completed on time, within the budget, and according to guidelines,” he said.
Chow said to ensure that the delays were due to genuine problems and not negligence on the part of the contractors, the state government has set a higher fine for failure to complete projects on time.
“Errant contractors now have to pay up to 15 per cent of the liquidated ascertained damages for each day the project is delayed,” he said.