By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 1: A new company has been appointed to take over the ‘sick project’ involving the 4.4-kilometre Jalan Baru Matang and is expected to complete the project within 18 months.
The rescue contractor appointed is Mirecont Sdn Bhd.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the upgrading project involves widening of the road from the existing two lanes to four lanes.
The contractor will also install 70 street lights along the road within three months.
“The value of this project is RM67 million and the RM8 million is for utilities, the electricity and (water) pipes.
“We have to do a proactive mechanism (water pipes) because along here are all the main pipes so we ensure that while the construction work is ongoing, the pipes are protected because these will supply water to all these areas,” he said during a visit to the site in Jalan Baru Matang here today.
Uggah also mentioned that the previous contractor left the sick project at nine per cent completion, which will be picked up by the new contractor who have begun work today.
Meanwhile, Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman pointed out that among the main issues arising from the existing Jalan Baru Matang are the traffic congestion and the absence of street lights that endanger road users at night.
“Since the old contractor had problems, I often got in contact with Datuk Amar Douglas and his very positive response and swift action showed the government’s commitment to solving the issue of abandoned projects.
“I hope the matter of installing lights and road construction can go smoothly and can benefit the surrounding residents,” he stated.
The project is a second phase of road upgrading involving Matang Jaya/Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang Junction.
The first phase which involved a one-kilometre stretch costing around RM4 million, started at the Datuk Temenggong Abang Kipali Abang Akip Roundabout up to E-Mart Supermall area.
Also present was Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) director Richard Tajan. — DayakDaily
