Deputy Minister praises progress on Batang Igan Bridge, project ahead of schedule

Aidel (third left) is being briefed on the Batang Igan Bridge progress by JKR Mukah. Photo credit: Ukas

KUCHING, Jan 25: Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development and Port Development (MIPD), Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Batang Igan Bridge project, which has overcome previous delays and is now ahead of its work schedule.

According to a report from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the Batang Igan Bridge, anticipated to be completed by April 2025, has surpassed its 59.87 per cent work-in-progress schedule, currently standing at 60.77 per cent completion.

Aidel highlighted the unique ‘cable arch’ design of the Batang Igan Bridge, setting it apart from other bridges in Sarawak.

He attributed earlier delays to modifications in the ‘navigation channel,’ raised from 20 meters to 26 meters following a request from the Sarawak Shipping Association.

“The raising of the navigation channel was requested by the Sarawak Shipping Association, which took time for the evaluation and design process. Once solved, the construction of the Batang Igan Bridge is now going well,” Aidel informed reporters during his official working visit to the site on Tuesday.

In addition to the Batang Igan Bridge, Aidel visited the Batang Paloh Bridge Project on Jan 24.

This project is 0.55 per cent ahead of its 65.30 per cent work progress schedule, currently at 65.85 per cent completion, with an expected completion date of January 2026.

Aidel emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to monitor the projects and identify any issues, focusing on finding effective solutions.

The Mukah Public Works Department (JKR) Divisional Engineer Talip Jarni and representatives of the Sarawak MIPD were also present during the visit. — DayakDaily