KUCHING, Sept 29: A new contractor, Hartanah Construction and Development Senderian Berhad has been appointed to complete the remaining works on the construction of the Sebauh Bridge.
In a press statement, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the government decided to terminate the contract of the previous contractor, who had delayed the completion of the project by more than three years.
He said despite about 50.61 per cent of the work on the RM89 million project having been done, the contractor concerned had failed to continue with the remaining work.
“This had resulted in the bridge becoming a critically delayed or sick project,” he told reporters upon visiting the project site today.
Uggah revealed the new contractor has been given two years, or by 2025, to complete the remaining works.
“But we have requested them to try to complete it earlier or within 18 months. We are still negotiating with them on the cost for the remaining work.”
Uggah, also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (MIPD), said his ministry is closely monitoring the construction of 11 bridges in the Coastal and Second Trunk Road Projects.
“We visited most of them, and they are progressing well. Only one or two seem to have issues, but we will try to resolve them besides putting their construction progress under the microscope.
“I would like to remind all contractors to deliver their work as per schedule, and if you do not deliver, we will not hesitate to terminate your contract.”
Uggah added that the government also wanted its projects to be completed as scheduled to meet the people’s expectations.
“When projects are delayed, the people will only criticise the government, its agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR), and the areas’ elected representatives.”
Adding on, Uggah said when projects are completed as scheduled, they will contribute to the State’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Uggah said there were now only 32 critically delayed projects—State and federal—in Sarawak; of them, 10 are State-funded projects.
“When I first joined MIPD, there were about 104 of them,” he said.
Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi and MIPD permanent secretary Chiew Chew Yau were also present. — DayakDaily
