Sarawak allocated RM50 mln for 64 road maintenance projects in 2024

Nanta performing the lucky dip to select Sarawak contractors for the Accelerated Road Maintenance programme in Sibu on May 24, 2024.

By William Isau

SIBU, May 24: Sarawak has been allocated RM50 million under the Accelerated Road Maintenance programme for 2024.

Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi highlighted that the federal Finance Ministry has approved a nationwide allocation of RM300 million for this programme, whereby RM100 million will be distributed across 121 projects in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

A lucky dip was held today to appoint contractors for 64 projects in Sarawak, valued at RM50 million.

“These projects include 41 periodic pavement works totalling RM42.5 million and 23 non-pavement periodic works amounting to RM7.5 million,” he said at a function here.

Nanta emphasised that the selected contractors must complete their work according to the planned schedule within this year.

“The contractors must not only complete the work by this year but also adhere to the specified quality and implementation schedules,” he reminded.

He pointed out that as the project budget has accounted for the increased cost of building materials, contractors have no reason to complaints.

“I hope that the contractors appointed through the lucky dip will perform their best work. The schedule of rates (SOR) has recently been reviewed and is now much higher than it was 10 years ago.

“This review considers the increased cost of materials and services, so contractors can no longer complain about unfair prices or unprofitable work,” he stressed.

The programme began in 2023 as part of the additional budget allocation initiative announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In 2023, RM300 million was allocated to the programme and engaged G1-G4 contractors, involving 491 projects. This initiative has positively impacted the contractors, allowing them to participate in federal road infrastructure repairs, aligning with the government’s commitment to support small contractors.

As a continuation of the programme, the Finance Ministry has approved another RM300 million for the 2024 Budget. — DayakDaily