RM7.7 bln for JKR to implement 80 physical development projects in S’wak this year, says Nanta

KUCHING (Oct 11): A total of RM7.7 billion has been allocated for 80 physical development projects implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) in Sarawak this year, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He noted that the pre-contract phase, which includes preliminary works, is valued at RM3.2 billion, while the construction phase is allocated RM4.5 billion.

Meanwhile, a total of RM152 million has been distributed for the maintenance of federal roads in Sarawak this year.

“This is just for the maintenance of federal roads in Sarawak.

“This involves periodic pavement work, non-pavement maintenance, street lighting, bridges, as well as special allocations for district engineers and routine work,” he told a press conference after the handover ceremony of two completed projects for the repairs of dilapidated and rundown schools at SK Jalan Haji Baki in Padawan today.

According to Nanta, JKR has implemented projects very successfully so far.

“Out of the total projects executed by JKR nationwide, only 2.8 per cent are categorised as sick.

“This means we are executing projects exceptionally well, as 97.2 per cent are completed with excellence, making the 2.8 per cent negligible,” he said.

On the ‘sick projects’, Nanta said that a special committee has been established to investigate and identify the underlying issues.

“We are working together with the contractors to address the problems causing these projects to be classified as sick. Most of the issues are financial in nature.

“There is a set timeline to achieve zero sick projects, but it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis since the problems are not the same,” he added.