KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government, through the state Public Works Department (JKR), has requested emergency funds from Putrajaya to repair the collapsed Aring 8-Kenyir-Kuala Jeneris road near the Sungai Deka Elephant Conservation Centre in Hulu Terengganu.
State infrastructure, utilities and rural development (disaster management) committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat said the repairs are estimated to cost RM1.5mil, including piling and the construction of temporary diversions.
This is to ensure the integrity of the road structure and to maintain access to the Sungai Deka Elephant Sanctuary, he added.
Hanafiah said the road collapse on Wednesday (Dec 17) involved soil erosion at the lower edge of the culvert structure following the heavy flow of water which affected soil stability and drainage at the location.
"The route has been gazetted as closed by the Federal Government for safety reasons and remains completely closed to all types of vehicles.
"The subsequent landslide confirmed that the route is high-risk and unsafe to use. Therefore, the road closure status is maintained while the Traffic Management Plan (TMP), warning signs and diversions are in place," he said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 18).
In addition, Hanafiah said continuous monitoring is also being carried out by the Hulu Terengganu district JKR in collaboration with Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd to ensure public safety.
"Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes via Jerteh-Machang-Gua Musang or Jerteh-Kuala Krai-Gua Musang," he said.
On Wednesday, the road was completely closed to all vehicles following soil erosion on the surface of the culvert or sewer wall because of strong water flow.
Hulu Terengganu OCPD Supt Sharudin Abd Wahab said part of the road began to experience soil erosion in May, but it completely collapsed at 7am on Wednesday. – Bernama
