BELADIN, April 8: Contractors facing problems implementing their projects should talk to the Public Works Department (JKR), says Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He informed that the Batang Saribas 2 Bridge and Sungai Paku Bridge in Spaoh are considered ‘sick projects’ as both have fallen behind in their respective completion schedules.
The RM385 million Batang Saribas 2 Bridge, with a length of 2.39km crossing Kuala Saribas between Maludam and Pusa towns, is supposed to be completed on February 4, 2025, but the revised date is now March 7, 2025.
On the other hand, the new completion schedule for the Sungai Paku Bridge is December 21, 2023, from the original November 5, 2023. The 100km-long steel arch bridge has a contract sum of RM27 million.
“Both projects are affected, among others, by the delays in transporting construction materials to the sites from China and elsewhere due to travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO).
“Inclement weather also contributed to the situation,” he said during his site visit today.
He further said that contractors must develop a close rapport with JKR and deliberate on any issues faced.
The department, he said, is ready to assist in finding solutions so that sick projects can be completed as scheduled.
Uggah, who is also Deputy Premier of Sarawak, stressed that all approved infrastructure projects needed to be implemented and completed as scheduled.
“If they failed to be delivered as scheduled, the people would be frustrated and angered and say we as the leaders have lied,” he added.
Also present during the visit was the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Safri Zainuddin. — DayakDaily
