By Karen Bong and Marlynda Meraw
MIRI, Aug 17: The full completion of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak is awaiting the upgrading of a 4.2-kilometre road in the Lambir sector under Work Package 11 (WPC 11), which is estimated to take another two to three years.
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi however explained that the road upgrading works can only commence once Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as LAKU Management Sdn Bhd) completes the replacement of water pipes along Mile 8, Lambir.
WPC 11 is the final remaining package of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, which spans approximately 786 kilometres and serves as a vital infrastructure to boost connectivity and drive economic development in the region.
“The replacement of LAKU’s pipes stems from incidents of pipe bursts that occurred prior to the commencement of construction works in the area,” he told a press conference during his visit to the Bukit Song viaduct construction site here today.
The implementation of the new water pipe replacement and the 4.2km road upgrading works will be carried out in phases beginning in the second quarter of 2026, with a construction period of 24 months.
“We have discussed the issue, including land reclamation for the pipe replacement. The cost is expected to increase, but I am unable to disclose the figure at this stage as it is still under evaluation,” he said.
Acknowledging that the Lambir sector cannot be fully completed in 2025 as originally planned, Nanta stressed that the additional works are crucial to ensure Miri City’s water supply remains uninterrupted and that the upgraded R5-standard road will not face risks of future damage.
“The remaining major works, namely the 300-metre Bukit Song viaduct, which is expected to be completed in October 2025, and the upgrading of the 4.2km stretch of road, are now the main focus,” he said.
He added that the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and the contractor have examined all available options and drawn up an appropriate action plan as a mitigation measure.
“It is my hope, and that of the Ministry, through JKR Sarawak, to ensure continuous engagement between the project team and the contractor, alongside close and regular monitoring, so that this project progresses smoothly and is completed according to the revised schedule,” he said.
The Ministry of Works (KKR) remains committed to completing the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak by ensuring all works are carried out according to specifications.
The ministry is also dedicated to ensuring that all other infrastructure projects, including schools, clinics, and hospitals, are implemented on schedule so that the people can benefit from them as quickly and optimally as possible.
Earlier, Nanta, accompanied by his federal delegation and JKR Sarawak, also visited the pipe replacement project site at Mile 8, Lambir.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo and JKR Sarawak Deputy Director (Infrastructure) Ir Wisil Lichok. — DayakDaily
