By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 8: The construction of an 8.5-kilometre coastal road connecting Bako and Buntal is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said the RM123 million project is currently about 26.85 per cent complete, roughly four months ahead of schedule.
“This is the Bako–Buntal road project with a total length of 8.5km, including spur roads in both Kampung Buntal and Kampung Bako to complete the overall road network.
“The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year or in early 2028,” he told reporters during a site visit to Kampung Buntal here today.
Despite the encouraging progress, Aidel said the Public Works Department (JKR) and the appointed contractor have been urged to push for even earlier completion than the targeted timeline.
According to Aidel, construction has so far proceeded smoothly, with no major issues affecting the supply of construction materials such as sand and soil.
However, he acknowledged that there are land-related constraints affecting about 600 metres of the alignment in the Buntal area.
“There are some land blockages along a 600-metre stretch, but the Land and Survey Department together with JKR are in the process of resolving the claims. Once this is addressed, work can proceed more smoothly,” he added.
He further said that the main road is designed to JKR R3 standards, while the spur roads in Buntal and Bako are built to JKR R1 specifications.
Most of the road alignment passes through peat swamp areas, requiring construction using the surcharge method.
“This involves placing surcharge material or load along the road alignment after embankment works.
“Once the sediment becomes uniform over time, the surcharge will be removed to the designed formation level before subsequent works such as stoning and pavement can proceed,” he explained.
Upon completion, the road will directly connect Bako to Buntal and link to the ongoing dual carriageway road project from the Yayasan Sarawak roundabout to Santubong.
With a contract sum of RM123,787,531.25, the proposed construction of the road from Kampung Bako to Kampung Buntal commenced on Oct 27, 2024 and was initially expected to be completed by July 6, 2027. However, the project’s revised completion date is April 5, 2028.
The project is implemented by HDKL Construction Sdn Bhd as the contractor, with Perunding Anggun Tega Sdn Bhd appointed as the consultant.
The scope of works includes site clearing and earthworks, piling works, and the construction of a new 8.5-kilometre road from Jalan Kampung Bako in accordance with JKR R3 standards. It also involves the upgrading of Jalan Tanah Perkuburan Islam Kampung Buntal, the construction of spur roads to Kampung Buntal and Kampung Bako, pavement works, a roundabout and road furniture.
The project further entails the construction of a 400-metre reinforced concrete bridge across Sungai Buntal, along with drainage works, electrical installations including street lighting and solar-powered marine navigation lights, as well as temporary road diversions, traffic management measures and temporary waterway crossings. — DayakDaily
