By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 18: Nearly 100 projects worth RM2.45 billion are currently in the pre-planning stage for implementation in Kuching Division.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo emphasised that the Ministry and the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak are also closely monitoring the progress of various development projects in the division to ensure their timely completion.
“Apart from that, there are 53 projects totalling RM2.219 billion being implemented to date, with 23 already completed and 30 ongoing,” he told a press conference after attending a briefing on the updates of several projects in Kuching Division at the JKR Sarawak Kuching Division Office in Jalan Batu Lintang here today.
Aidel further disclosed that among the ongoing projects, four are categorised as critically delayed, while the remaining 26 are either on schedule or ahead with satisfactory progress.
Elaborating on the four critically delayed projects, he highlighted that the new SK Agama school near Jalan Sultan Tengah, which, despite physical completion, faces delays due to a technical issue.
“It is currently pending the relocation of an electrical substation,” he said.
The second project involves the construction of the Pepper Industry Development Centre in Semenggok, which has achieved 87 per cent completion rate.
“The Federal project is currently in the process of mutual termination and will be re-tendered as the contractor was not able to complete it,” he explained.
Aidel also mentioned the road upgrading projects from Sejingkat Bridge to Tanjung Bako for second package and another package currently implemented by a rescue contractor from Tanjung Bako to Samarahan Bridge.
“This project is 10.6 per cent delayed but the issues have been resolved. We are following its progress closely to prevent further delays,” he added.
Lastly, the proposed upgrading of Rintis Vocational College, facing a seven per cent delay, has reportedly resolved its issues.
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman was also present at the briefing. — DayakDaily
