KUCHING, Oct 12: Construction work on the RM8.05 million Satok Suspension Bridge project resumed recently after a long period of delay due to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
State Public Works Department (PWD) director Datu Zuraimi Sabki visited the site recently to ascertain the present progress of the project and the contractor’s commitment to completing the project.
“The director of PWD Sarawak has also requested the contractor to put in more effort in order to ensure that the project can be completed by end of November 2020 so that the public can benefit from the project,” read a statement issued by PWD here today.
The bridge was scheduled for completion on Sept 16 last year in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration, but faced a serious technical setback after one of the pillars holding it up was found to have tilted from the weight of the structure.
The original 130m-long bridge which was constructed in 1923, had collapsed in 2004. The Sarawak government allocated RM8.05 million in 2017 to reconstruct the bridge, which will now measure 213m long.
As of September 2020, the following work has been carried out: the relocation of Sarawak Energy and Telekom Malaysia utility lines, load test at Kubah Ria Tower Block, installation of 700mm diameter spun pile, insertion of universal beams and grouting work for all the 13 piling points.
“Ongoing construction is now focused on the anchor blocks for both sides. At the same time, the dismantling of bridge steel handrails is ongoing. So too are road works at Matang side.
“The contactor is expected to complete the Satok Anchor Block by October 15, 2020 while the Matang Anchor Block will be completed by Oct 30, 2020,” read the statement.
Thereafter, works to reinstall the bridge deck and other accessories will be completed by November 20, 2020 and the project is expected to be completed by end of November 2020.
The PWD director also apologised to the public for inconveniences caused due to road closures for safety reasons on the Matang side as the contractor is currently expediting their works and will also continue to carry out work at night.
“As such if the road stays open, it will be dangerous to both the public and the workers. All the decisions made were in consideration of the safety aspects involved,” added the statement. — DayakDaily
