Construction of RM385mil Batang Saribas 2 bridge hits snag

KUCHING: The construction of the RM385mil Batang Saribas 2 bridge in Pusa here has hit a snag, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said that despite having given an extension of time (EOT), its construction is still delayed by 34 days.

“The bridge, the third longest in the state at 2.39km, is undertaken by a joint venture between China and a local company.”

He told the media this after attending its work progress briefing and inspecting its construction site on Monday (July 1).

The briefing was given by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris.

Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said this was the third time he had visited the site.

Uggah (front row, second left) and Dr Cassidy( front row, first left) at one of the completed piers of the bridge project

“This is a problem project we are trying to manage.The contractor faces worker and machinery shortages while some works that needed to be done have not been done.

“So JKR has today given them two weeks to resolve these issues and we monitor the development very closely. If they can resolve them we will be very happy otherwise we will have to decide on the next course of action.

“We may need to initiate the process of contract termination following our existing rules and regulations. We are serious in trying to stop sick projects.”

Uggah added that he was happy that Sarawak did not have that many sick projects like previously, to which he lauded that Sarawak has many responsible contractors and he hoped they will continue with such an attitude.

He stressed that the JKR needed to be very strict with contractors to ensure they meet their projects completion schedules.

“This is now all the more important with the department expected to manage many more such projects.We have many new infrastructure projects coming.

“Besides our own normal development projects, we are managing the federal funded projects and in addition, those from our nine regional development agencies. Thus we cannot really spare the rod against those errant contractors.”

He further said the successful completion of a project meant a lot to  those  who would benefit from them.

Uggah noted that the construction process is also a mechanism for the government to inject its resources for local economic growth.

“The multiplier effects are tremendous through job  and business opportunities. So in a nutshell, it is JKR’s task to see projects are implemented and completed as scheduled.”