By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 1: The RM366 million Sejingkat Bridge project, spanning 1.28 kilometres across Sarawak River, is now slated for completion in March 2026 following a slight delay, with a catch-up plan underway.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas explained that the project has so far achieved 54.77 per cent physical progress, compared with the scheduled 57.64 per cent, leaving it around three per cent or 22 days behind.
“Although there is a slight delay, the Sejingkat Bridge project is not sick. With discussions carried out with the contractor, we are rescheduling the completion by March 2026,” he said in a pre-recorded interview following a site visit accompanied by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Ir Dr Cassidy Morris today.
He said the JKR Sarawak will work closely with the contractor to meet the revised deadline, stressing that the necessary materials are already on site and no major issues are expected.
Part of the coastal road network under the second Kuching-Samarahan Trunk Road, the project involves constructing a cable-stayed bridge with spans of 200 metres, 400 metres and 200 metres across the Sarawak River, in addition to six spans of approach bridges at both the Tanjong Bako and Sejingkat sides.
The scope of works also includes one kilometre of road widening at Tanjong Bako main road, a new 220-metre approach road at Tanjong Bako, a 210-metre approach road at Sejingkat, and 645 metres of road widening along the Sejingkat main road.
On the delay, Uggah said it stemmed from technical issues that have since been resolved.
A JKR Sarawak factsheet noted that the setback was caused by the collapse of the form traveller at Pylon 8 during a proof load test, though no casualties were reported.
“Now they have to make sure that works are properly planned and implemented. They have to reschedule accordingly,” he added.
To catch up, JKR Sarawak will continue monitoring progress, and the contractor is also exploring expediting works by adopting single-cast methods instead of staged casting.
Uggah reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to closely monitoring and ensuring all infrastructure projects are delivered on time and in line with Sarawak’s development mission. — DayakDaily
