Usage of RM3.61 million facility at UPSI hampered due to mismanagement

The upsetting quality of the construction project at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus (KSAS), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has meant that the Building Automation System (BAS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) worth RM3.61 million cannot be fully utilised.

“BAS system does not work in some parts and SCADA system was not able to control electrical systems such as lighting in the corridor,” according to the 2013 Auditor-General’s Report.

The campus faced several post-construction problems such as poor installation of cooling towers and ineffective water proofing, affecting its plaster ceilings. In addition, all this has also led to water wastage with an estimated cost of RM300 per day.

The report also revealed that a total of 58 defects detected on the construction project has not been repaired by the contractor as of December 31, 2013 despite the defect liability period (DLP) ending on January 31, 2014.

The Auditor recommends for UPSI and Project Director, Public Works Department (JKR) of the Higher Education Branch to conduct a comprehensive review of the design and installation of the cooling tower to ensure it will function properly.

“PWD should ensure that all of the cooling tower can be used effectively and optimally.

“JKR and UPSI shall ensure BAS and SCADA system supplied to function properly or recover payment from the contractor for the two systems," said the report.

Besides that, JKR was also urged to examine the building and equipments thoroughly as well as to ensure unfinished construction work and defects to be repaired immediately by the contractor before the defects liability period ended.

JKR was also directed to report the contractor’s and consultants’ incompetence so that disciplinary action can be taken against them.

“JKR and UPSI should continuously conduct monitoring to ensure the repairing work is of good quality," the report added.

The KSAS construction project received approval provisions of RM459.58 million for Package 1 which includes earthworks and infrastructure amounting to RM36.59 million and Package 2 includes building works totalling RM422.99 million.

Package 1 was completed on April 28, 2008 costing RM34.81 million while Package 2 was completed on January 31, 2012 at a cost of RM403.80 million.