By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING: Even when the Ministry of Works had not made any announcement to take over the Pan Borneo Highway Project from the project delivery partner (PDP) Lebuhraya Utara Sdn Bhd (LBU), there is no excuse for the contractor to delay their works.
Works Minister Baru Bian said if there happens to be any delay in the project, the blame would be all on the contractors.
“Delays can only be contributed by the contractors themselves. We made is very clear that there should be no disruption. The packages should proceed because there should not be any delay at all.
“If there are any delay, the contractors themselves should be blamed. I don’t see any reason why progress should be delayed and I think that is an assurance from us (ministry),” he told reporters at Kuching International Airport (KIA) this afternoon.
Since the PDP model had been ditched in March this year, the fate of LBU has been uncertain.
Baru however assured that the Works Department’s superintending officers are supervising the contractors to ensure they are doing their work without any delay or mishap.
He also reminded reporters that the ministry will announce the decision to take over the Pan Borneo Highway Project by the end of this month.
He said the decision was made following the Finance Ministry’s decision to cut the cost of the Pan Borneo Highway Project as according to the contract, the PDP would get 5.5 per cent of the total cost of the project.
“So there is a possibility and probability that this could be reduced if the Ministry would take over. That basically would be the best,” he added.— DayakDaily
