By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 21: Sarawak has slashed the number of critically delayed infrastructure projects by about 93 per cent, from 98 in June 2022 to just seven projects facing delays as of September this year.
This is following tighter project monitoring, early intervention and a restructuring of the Public Works Department (JKR).
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the progress reflected the impact of measures introduced to strengthen project delivery, improve accountability and address delays at an earlier stage.
“While challenges remain, this progress reflects the importance of early intervention, closer supervision and effective coordination among implementing agencies,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
As part of JKR Sarawak’s restructuring exercise, three regional offices were dissolved to eliminate overlapping functions in project management and to streamline administrative and reporting arrangements.
Their responsibilities were consolidated under the respective divisional offices, which have been strengthened with additional personnel and resources.
Uggah said the restructuring had improved accountability, project monitoring, decision-making and coordination, while providing the public and elected representatives with a single point of reference for project updates and assistance.
The State government had also addressed construction cost pressures, including matters relating to Variation of Price (VOP), while strengthening project monitoring and contractors’ accountability.
Another measure was JKR Sarawak’s One-Month Pledge, which places greater emphasis on assessing contractors’ readiness and progress during the early stages of project implementation.
“This allows timely intervention to prevent further delays,” he said.
The measures are aimed at identifying implementation problems earlier and ensuring that contractors and implementing agencies take the necessary action before delays worsen.
Although the number of critically delayed projects has fallen significantly, Uggah said continued supervision and coordination remained important to sustain progress in infrastructure project delivery. —DayakDaily
