By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Aug 25: Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil today expressed his disappointment with the current progress of Marudi Bridge at only 4.35 per cent.
He said that the latest development of the project was below expectation and hoped the implementing agency and the contractor would speed up the completion of the bridge.
“If you asked me, of course I’m disappointed because by now it should be at least between 25-30 per cent completed.
“The bridge is supposed to be completed by next year and now it is to be extended by another year. This is where we, the wakil rakyat, can be perceived as not doing our job.
“So I hope there will be no more delay, after this,” Penguang told DayakDaily when contacted today.
The Assistant Minister for Local Government and Housing pointed out that the delay in the bridge construction was a result of open tender whereby the lowest bidder got the contract.
“Please don’t get me wrong, I agree with open tender policy. But in the case of bridge construction and other specialised projects, it should be awarded to the contractors who has the experience and who are proven to be capable of delivering the project on time,” he stressed.
Penguang reiterated that the bridge was a vital link for the people in Marudi and they have been hoping that it would be completed by next year.
“And I have been personally monitoring the bridge every weekend when I return to my kawasan. And it is very disappointing to see the pace of the construction is very slow,” he added.
The project launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg two years ago, was expected to be completed by next year, but due to the delay, it will now expected to be completed by June 13, 2022.—DayakDaily
