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By Nur Ashikin Louis
BINTULU, June 11: The construction of Sebauh Bridge which passes over Batang Kemena will be taken over by a rescue contractor soon, says Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
With an initial cost of RM89,779,694.48, work on the project commenced on Jan 25, 2019 and was originally scheduled to be completed on Dec 29 last year.
“The first contractor has been terminated by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and in the next few months, a new contractor will take over the project so that the project can be completed immediately,” he told reporters after welcoming the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy at HN Corner, Sebauh here today.
He also revealed once the project resumes, the new completion date maybe within one or two years.
Dr Rundi who is also Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD) further said that many other projects could not be implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, increase in cost of construction materials, as well as manpower shortage.
Projects affected include the mini stadium in Sebauh, mosques and churches, and road construction in Sigu.
“It’s not that we do not have the money but the capability of our manpower also contributed to the problem that we are facing now.
“That is why a lot of projects fall under ‘sick’ status and could not be continued which led to the government to terminate (the services of) the initial contractors and replace them with rescue contractors.
“We hope the people understand that the projects would not be cancelled because we (Sarawak government) will continue to complete those projects even if that means extra cost would be incurred,” he added. — DayakDaily
