Survey of roadworks revealed

A GOVERNMENT survey has indicated digging holes in the road would take less time with increased resources and closer monitoring.

The survey of 87 repairs was conducted to try to discover whether public utility companies could speed up roadworks if charges were imposed.

The Government calculated hypothetical charges, dubbed ''lane rental fees''.

One option would impose a daily charge of $3,850 from the start of the project. The second, based on the same rate, would provide a free period and an extension for unforeseen circumstances.

The third also provided a free period under a different formula, but did not allow any extension.

Director of Highways Kwei See-kan said yesterday preliminary results showed roadworks could be conducted more efficiently if contractors increased resources and the Highways Department stepped up monitoring of progress.