By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 12: The construction of the RM410 million Petra Jaya Hospital, previously marred by serious setbacks, is now 90 days ahead of schedule, with physical progress reaching 54.26 per cent.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed satisfaction with the excellent progress of the construction.
“I am pleasantly surprised by the achievement. It is ahead of time, and we aim for a timely delivery without any more delays.
“So far, there are no apparent issues that could delay and hinder the project as works are progressing accordingly and smoothly,” he told a press conference after visiting the hospital site at Jalan Diplomatik today.
Although the project is slated for completion in August 2025, Dr Dzulkefly hopes it can be expedited by three months, considering the current 90-day lead.
Noting the complexity of hospital construction due to its design and specifications, he commended the rescue contractor for their efforts in turning the project around and ensuring good progress.
He expressed optimism that the rescue contractor, with ample manpower and skill set, would be able to complete the project successfully.
“We still have a good amount of funding balance to complete the project. Post-completion, it will require another three to four months to furnish and equip the hospital.
“We hope there won’t be any variation as this healthcare facility is very much needed for this area, and more importantly, the government is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the community in Sarawak,” he added.
The hospital was once categorised as a ‘sick project’ after continuously falling behind schedule and met with serious setbacks, including the termination of the previous contractor in 2018. The current contractor took over at the end of 2021.
Work on the hospital started in May 2013 and was supposed to be completed by November 2016. — DayakDaily
