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KUCHING, June 20: The RM285.5 million Batang Igan bridge is currently 47.2 per cent completed, and the contractor has been urged to take full advantage of the current good weather to speed up the project’s progress.
According to Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, this is to ensure that the expected year-end rainy season would not affect its progress as it is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.
He added that construction of the 1.4km-long bridge is slightly behind schedule as the targeted percentage is 51.18 per cent and explained that it is due to the shortage of skilled workers and high-capacity cranes.
“However, at the briefing, the contractor’s representative promised us they would find solutions soon.
“I am happy they have and will recruit more local folk as this will help to boost the local economy.
“At the same time, the contractor will be spared the problem of finding enough accommodation facilities. This will be a good example of how a government project can generate economic opportunities for the local people,” he said during a visit to the construction site today.
At the same time, Uggah expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress and described the Batang Igan bridge as a gamechanger for the Igan and Matu areas.
“It will greatly enhance accessibility and increase economic activities. I do not think the people ever expected such a project to come their way,” said Uggah who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak.
On another matter, Uggah said the Public Works Department (JKR) would continue to monitor the safety of ferry users in the State.
“JKR is constantly monitoring to ensure all SOPs (standard operating procedures) regarding users’ safety are put into practice. Let us not wait for another unfortunate incident to happen for us to step up on our enforcement.
“We want the department to monitor the ferries’ operation and give us feedback on the operators’ compliance.
“Sometimes, after a period of lull, we tend to be slacking off in our enforcement, and so we have directed JKR to continue to be alert and keep monitoring,” he said.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Dato Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya and Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development permanent secretary Chew Chee Yaw accompanied Uggah on the working visit. — DayakDaily
