DARO, May 9: A unique problem arising from ships, barges and other vessels colliding with the under construction Batang Paloh Bridge’s sixth and seventh pile caps in the river has disrupted the progress of the RM298 million project.
As a result, the completion status for the 1.7km-long bridge project currently stands at 58.33 per cent, falling slightly behind the original schedule of 63.88 per cent.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), Public Works Department (JKR) as well as the Resident and District Offices will meet with the relevant agencies soon to resolve the problem.
“Each time it happens, it would affect the work flow as the contractor will have to conduct repairs.
“But I am very confident we will have a solution. Then the contractor can work without further disruptions for the bridge to be completed by December 2024,” he said after visiting the sites of the Batang Paloh and Muara Lassa bridge projects here today.
On the Muara Lassa bridge costing RM597 million, Uggah who is also MIPD Minister, was pleased as the project for the second longest bridge in Sarawak measuring 2.43km was on schedule.
“The contractor Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit has done well. But I hope they will take full advantage of the good weather in the next few months.
“This is one of the bridges that will transform the surrounding coastal areas,” he pointed out.
Expressing optimism that the constructions for the two bridge projects will be completed by December 2024, Uggah emphasised that they were part of the Coastal Highway and the Second Trunk Road projects costing a total of RM11 billion and financed wholly by the Sarawak government.
“These are efforts by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to upgrade the infrastructure in rural areas.
“We are visiting them to monitor the progress of their implementation. We want to ensure all outstanding projects are delivered as per schedule,” he said.
The two bridges are among the 11 bridge projects along the Coastal Highway and Second Trunk Road which are funded through alternative funding created by Abang Johari.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Aidel Lariwoo, Semop assemblyman Datu Abdullah Saidol, Daro assemblyman Shafiee Ahmad and MIPD’s permanent secretary Chiew Chee Yaw were among those present. — DayakDaily
