Potholes reflect deeper governance issues - Former MP
Governance challenges exposed as citizens tackle pothole woes
SHAH ALAM - Former Klang MP Charles Santiago acknowledges the public’s frustration and disappointment amidst the never-ending issue of potholes within the country.
Charles said that when citizens take matters into their own hands to address pothole issues, it negatively affects the government.
“Recently in Klang, for instance, an individual proactively repaired potholes in Taman Sentosa, going as far as labelling one with the phrase 'duit saya' (my money), to highlight the government and authorities' negligence in adequately maintaining the roads.
“This shows the growing frustration and dissatisfaction among the public, signaling a lack of trust in the local council's ability to address such issues promptly.
“This situation highlights deeper concerns related to maintenance culture and governance practices within local authorities,” he added.
Charles also said that he is aware of the numerous accidents caused by potholes, some resulting in fatalities.
“It poses a significant threat to the safety of ordinary citizens.
"Therefore, I fully support the need for enhanced road monitoring and improved maintenance practices.
“If I were in government, I would advocate for a different approach to pothole repair, one that does not rely on concession agreements.
“Currently, the use of concessionaires under restrictive agreements limits the effectiveness of repairs.
"Potholes are often inadequately patched, leading to recurring issues within a few weeks,” he said.
Therefore, he proposed empowering the Public Works Department (JKR) to establish its own dedicated unit with sufficient funding to address potholes promptly.
On whether governments take the issue of potholes lightly, he said it is essential to recognise that administrations at various levels, be it state, local, or federal, were well-aware of the persisting road-related challenges in our country.
However, the former MP pointed out that the enduring nature of the problem suggests a significant challenge lies in allocating resources to address and find a lasting solution to the pothole issue effectively.
“This prompts us to question government priorities; for example, should more funding be directed towards healthcare instead of road maintenance?
“While healthcare is undoubtedly crucial, we must recognise that road conditions directly impact safety and livelihoods.
"Neglected roads and potholes have resulted in accidents and even fatalities,” he added.
Charles also said that the government must consider the mainland and regions like Sabah and Sarawak, where rural areas often lack adequate road infrastructure.
“Therefore, prioritising infrastructure maintenance is vital.
"It's not just about funding allocation; it's also about instilling a culture of effective maintenance and ensuring proper governance to address these challenges comprehensively.
“By addressing these issues adequately, we can mitigate a significant portion of our road-related problems,” he said.
