Urgent call for action against delayed road project in Balingian

BALINGIAN: The Public Works Department (PWD), tasked with overseeing the road upgrading project from Balingian Bridge to Kuala Balingian, has been urged to take decisive action against contractors causing significant delays in the project timeline.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo was concerned over the nearly 30 per cent delay in the project, which is one of three coastal road initiatives in the Balingian region.

He stressed the importance of completing the road promptly, especially with the upcoming 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) scheduled for August, adding that completion of the crucial route is essential for the smooth movement of athletes from Bintulu to Mukah, which will host three sports events.

“Therefore, if this road is not ready, it will be difficult for athletes to pass through such a bad road.

“So, we hope PWD will take appropriate action to ensure that the contractor can complete the project according to our original targets,” Aidel told a press conference after a working visit to Kuala Balingian recently.

Aidel also provided updates on two other projects in Balingian – the road upgrade from Kuala Balingian to Kuala Serupai and the roundabout upgrade in Balingian, expressing optimism that these projects are progressing ahead of schedule and are expected to be completed within the year.

“We are very optimistic that the contractors will be able to complete it soon, within this year based on the schedule or even ahead of the actual schedule,” he added.

Overall, the Sarawak government has initiated 23 upgrading packages for coastal roads in the Kuching to Miri region, with the Mukah region encompassing eight upgrading packages, including three in the Balingian area.

Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi was also present during the announcement.