By DayakDaily Team
MUKAH, Aug 4: Construction of the RM23 million road project from Kampung Igan to Rumah Panjang Sungai Ilas and Kampung Sah, Kebuaw, Batang Igan (Phase 1), which was previously classified as a sick project, has resumed following the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak’s handover of the project site to rescue contractor Asarajaya Sdn Bhd.
The revival of the long-delayed project brings renewed hope to local residents, who have been eagerly awaiting a reliable land route to reduce their long-standing dependence on river transportation.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), who is also Jemoreng assemblyman, Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, said the project was among the earliest development initiatives approved by the Sarawak government for the Jemoreng area in 2018.
However, he said the project faced delays after the original contractor failed to complete the works within the scheduled timeframe, resulting in its classification as a sick project.
“Although the project had achieved about 85 per cent physical progress, the State government decided to terminate the previous contractor’s appointment after the project was categorised as a sick project.
“A rescue contractor was subsequently appointed to ensure the remaining works could be completed,” he said after witnessing the project handover ceremony at the construction site today as reported by TVS.
The newly appointed contractor has been given 15 months to complete the remaining 15 per cent of construction works, enabling the road project to be fully utilised by communities in the affected areas within the stipulated period.
Juanda said the successful revival of the project reflected the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring that approved development projects are completed and deliver tangible benefits, particularly to rural communities.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the Sarawak government and JKR Sarawak for their continued commitment in resolving this important project,” he said.
Meanwhile, community representative Tuai Rumah Joseph Aus said the completion of the road would significantly improve the quality of life for residents in Sungai Ilas and Sungai Sah, as they would no longer have to rely solely on boats for daily necessities, including sending children to school, accessing healthcare services and carrying out other activities.
Another community representative, Tuai Rumah Raya, described the project’s resumption as welcome news after residents had endured a prolonged wait following the project’s suspension.
“When completed, this road will benefit residents of Kampung Sungai Ilas, Kampung Sungai Sah, as well as the community of Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Ilas by providing safer, faster and more comfortable land access. It will also reduce the risks associated with river travel, which is often affected by weather conditions,” he said.
During the same visit, Juanda also inspected the progress of the nearly RM5 million Igan Community Sports and Recreation Complex Construction Project (Phase 1).
He said site preparation works had been completed ahead of schedule, while the next phase involving the construction of various sports and recreational facilities would commence soon.
The facility is expected to serve as a modern recreational hub that promotes a healthy lifestyle and strengthens community ties in the Igan area. — DayakDaily
