Road project to be ready ahead of schedule

SIBU: The contractor is committed to ensuring that the Jalan Sibujaya to Jalan Kong Yit Khim road construction project is completed by November this year, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

The Deputy Premier said that the expected completion will be ahead of the original schedule, which was expected in December 2024.

“So, this is good news. This road, with a contract sum of RM104.4 million, is expected to be completed by November 2024.

“We are very happy to see the progress. Initially, there were some setbacks, but apparently, the contractors are very experienced, so they are working out a mechanism to overcome these setbacks, and they have succeeded,” he said.

He said this when speaking to reporters after a site visit to the Jalan Sibu Jaya to Jalan Kong Yit Khim road construction project here today (9 August).

(From left) Aidel and Uggah are being briefed on the project.

When asked about the reason behind the setback, Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said that it was due to the soil condition in the area.

“There was a setback initially because of the peat soil here; it is very deep, so it took time for them to adjust, but with their experience, they were able to overcome it.

“Now we only have a 100-metre stretch waiting for them to settle it,” he said.

The completion of the 6.75km road is capable of reducing travel time by 20 to 30 minutes from Sibujaya township to Sibu town area.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and Sarawak Public Work Department (PWD) director Dr Cassidy Morris.