‘Start work within a month or lose contract,’ Uggah warns contractors

BINTULU (Aug 7): Contractors appointed to carry out projects under the state government have been warned they must initiate work within one month.

In issuing the warning, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stressed any contractor falling short of this requirement would be promptly replaced with another.

The Infrastructure and Port Development Minister told a press conference contractors must ensure timely commencement and completion of construction projects, including infrastructure development.

“We, as part of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition led by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, are committed to maintaining an excellent track record in developing facilities for the comfort of our people,” Uggah said after chairing a meeting to monitor rural network projects with the Public Works Department (JKR) here yesterday.

Uggah said delaying projects unnecessarily would waste time and neglect the essential needs of residents, who rely on reliable and safe infrastructure.

He revealed that out of the 14 JKR projects worth an estimated RM1.124 billion currently underway in the state, only one has been categorised as “problematic” and it comes under the management of the federal government.

He said the remaining 13 projects, overseen by the Sarawak government, are progressing smoothly, and adhering to established schedules.

Among those present at the press conference were Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon.