KUCHING, March 25: The RM296 million Bebuling short take-off and landing airport (STOLport) project is expected to be completed by January next year, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier said the runway had been upgraded from 750 meters to 1.2 kilometres.
“I am satisfied with the current progress in the construction of the Bebuling STOLport as a large part of the site has been cemented.
“Construction works on the Bebuling STOLport project progressing on course while a similar Bukit Mabong project is put on hold,” he said after visiting several major projects sites in Spaoh today.
On the Bukit Mabong STOLport project, Uggah said the Cabinet decided to put the RM193 million project on hold for now.
According to him, studies are being carried out on the ground conditions, and there is no road, power, and water supply in the area at the moment.
“So the strategy is to bring in all these first, then we can start to build it.
“As a matter of fact, under the Bukit Mabong District office, there are several projects there, like the new district office and civil servant housings, but the area has no water or power supply,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah said the contractor building the Bebuling STOLport was also building the Spaoh bridge, which he visited to check on its progress.
He said this was formerly a sick project that the government decided to appoint a rescue contractor to continue it.
He is confident that the new contractor can deliver the RM36.9 million project as scheduled.
“As he (contractor) is involved with the STOLport, we decided to appoint him as he has his machinery, materials, and manpower nearby.
“This will also reduce the mobilisation cost of materials and so forth,” Uggah said.
On another note, Uggah, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, assured that his ministry and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak would closely monitor the implementation of all development projects in the Betong Division and as well as around Sarawak.
“If contractors are failing to perform, we will take the necessary corrective measures.
“We are very strict on our standard, which they must comply with to avoid unnecessary termination.
“They need to keep to their contractual obligations as the rakyat, who are the recipients, and the government are eagerly awaiting the successful completion,” he said. — DayakDaily
