By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 1: The RM82 million Batang Rambungan Bridge project is targeted to be completed nearly a year ahead of schedule, with its contractor confident of delivering the vital infrastructure by July 2026 instead of May 2027.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the progress made so far has been encouraging, with the contractor, Titanium Project Management Sdn Bhd, recording 13.4 per cent physical progress against the targeted 7.45 per cent, putting the project about 6 per cent ahead of schedule.
“We are pleased with the progress. We had a thorough discussion with the contractor today and JKR (Public Works Department Sarawak) will work with them to schedule completion for July 2026. This is nearly a year earlier than the original completion date in May 2027,” he said during a visit to the project site today.
The project involves the construction of a 560-metre-long, two-lane single carriageway cable-stayed bridge supported by two 51.4-metre H-shaped pylons, with a 320-metre cable-stayed span providing a navigational clearance of 50 metres wide and 10 metres high.
It also includes the construction and upgrading of 815 metres of approach roads with 255 metres on the Kuching side and 560 metres on the Lundu side, which will be built to JKR R5 standard.
He noted that the contractor is an experienced bridge builder and has committed to delivering on time.
“They are committed to completing the bridge by July 2026. The contractor and JKR are confident this can be achieved,” he stressed.
Among the challenges highlighted were worker permits, which may become a concern as work volume increases. However, Uggah expressed confidence that these issues could be resolved.
“Currently, they still can cope, but once the volume of work increases, they will need more people. We hope this will be resolved soon,” he added.
He assured that logistics were not an obstacle as all necessary materials and equipment were already on-site and in compliance with specifications.
“It is important that the bridge is safe and thus close and consistent monitoring is vital,” he said, adding that his ministry will conduct regular site visits to keep track of progress.
Once completed, the Batang Rambungan Bridge will replace the need for ferry services at the site, although ferry services will continue in areas still awaiting bridge projects.
“Presently, many ferry services have been discontinued, including those at Muara Lassa and Saribas. The ferries serving Saribas have been relocated to Batang Lupar Bridge 1 as after the completion of the bridge, heavy traffic began flowing down the Batang Lupar and creating the need for additional ferries there. The Muara Lassa ferry was reassigned to Batang Igan and Paloh, where the bridges are still under construction,” he explained. — DayakDaily
