By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 26: The contractor responsible for the construction of the Batang Paloh Bridge in Mukah has been urged to intensify efforts to complete the RM298.4 million project by March next year, amid concerns over a 96-day delay.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas issued the call today after being briefed on the project’s progress by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris and the contractor’s representative.
“This is one of our problematic bridge projects. It is close to being categorised as a ‘sick project’,” he said in a press release, expressing concern over the delay.
“When big projects like this are delayed, the people will vent their anger and frustration on their elected representatives and the government.”
Uggah, who is also Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), stressed the need for the contractor to mobilise additional machinery and equipment and to extend working hours to get the project back on track.
To assist, JKR will work with the contractor to develop a new work plan aimed at accelerating construction progress and ensuring the March 2026 deadline is met.
The 1.7-kilometre-long, two-lane single carriageway bridge — which includes 4.6 kilometres of road works — has achieved 75.25 per cent physical progress to date, falling short of its scheduled target of 84.63 per cent.
Uggah added that he plans to visit the site again in July to personally monitor progress.
Also present at the briefing were Semop assemblyman and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, and other senior JKR officers from the Kuching headquarters. — DayakDaily
