By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 21: The Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) Red Line contractor’s centralised labour quarters (CLQ) have been completed after three months of construction, accommodating up to 240 people.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin praised the Red Line contractor for going the extra mile in establishing an exemplary integrated facility, setting a high standard for other major project implementers and contractors to emulate.
“I am very impressed, as this is an ideal concept integrating all stakeholders under one roof, including the client Sarawak Metro, contractors’ offices, consultants’ offices, a storage warehouse an assembly plant, and air-conditioned living quarters for the workers.
“This enables efficient and effective construction and project management while increasing productivity in a conducive environment for the Red Line project,” he told a press conference after officiating the facility along New Airport Road today.
The Red Line project is part of the autonomous rapid transit (ART) network under KUTS, spanning 12.3 kilometres from Kuching Central to Pending with seven stations, including the Simpang Tiga Interchange Station.
It is a joint venture between Sri Datai Construction (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, JT JV Builders Sdn Bhd and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Construction (M) Sdn Bhd.
Lee was heartened to see the care taken for the well-being of the workers, who play a crucial role in the development of Sarawak.
He believes that the inclusion of facilities such as living areas, dining areas, a kitchen, a basketball court, and office buildings will ensure a more comfortable living and working environment for the workers.
“This facility is a testament to improving the quality of life for workers in the construction industry. This may be the way forward for the construction industry in Kuching and Sarawak as a whole to ensure the wellbeing of workers in the future,” he emphasised.
The integrated facility is part of the KUTS project, in compliance with the social impact analysis study, which is included in the overall Environmental, Social, and Heritage Impact Analysis (ESHIA) studies.
“I hope this initiative will inspire other projects to prioritise the welfare of their workforce,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Ts Mazli Mustaffa, and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) general manager Datu Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir were among those present. — DayakDaily
