By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, July 5: The services of the contractor entrusted with the upgrading of Padawan Road has been terminated after failing to continue the project.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the termination took effect last February.
“For the Padawan Road project, the contract was terminated after they abandoned the project in February this year, and the government is in the midst of looking for a rescue contractor.
“I have discussed the matter with Deputy Sarawak Premier (Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas) who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development who will look into it with Public Works Department (JKR),” Sagah told reporters today.
He had earlier officiated at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ‘Green Box Bright Up Kiosk’ programme at Kampung Bunga, here.
Sagah said the 15km-long project at a cost RM70 million including relocation of utilities like water pipes and electricity poles started in 2020 and was supposed to be completed by end of this year.
According to him, the actual cost of the road project is RM30 million, with land compensation already long been paid to the affected land owners.
He did not disclose the amount paid for land compensation.
“However, the project is only about 20 per cent complete and a sick project, so JKR has no choice but to terminate the service of the contractor,” Sagah pointed out.
Asked if there will be any additional cost to continue the project, Sagah replied: “Let’s see how things go.” — DayakDaily
