KUCHING: The contractor building the RM98.5 million Batang Rambungan Bridge here has been told to solve its cash flow and workers problems soonest.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the project was supposed to be completed on December 16 this year. However, he said, it has been revised to June 23 next year.
“Its physical progress is at 45 .52 per cent currently as against the schedule of 82.96 per cent,” he said after visiting its construction site yesterday with his ministry Permanent Secretary Chiew Chee Yaw.
The Public Work Department (JKR) deputy director Cassidy Morris, who was also present, had conducted a briefing on the project’s work progress.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, was very worried as the project completion is now almost three years delayed.
He said this was inclusive of the two years when its construction was brought to a standstill by restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have been informed that the delay is caused by cash flow and workers problems. Please solve them as soon as possible.
“The government will bear the brunt of the people’s dissatisfaction if this project continues to be delayed.
“The contractor too will be subjected to stiff penalties for non- compliance of the completion schedule,” he stressed.
Commenting on this, Uggah said the contractor’s moving forward or catch-up plan was extremely crucial (to make sure it completes by June next year). Otherwise, based on JKR’s projection; it would be completed by the third quarter of 2024.
The 560 meters long two-lane single carriage bridge is carried by the Precious Credence JV Gezhouba Sdn., Bhd., a joint ventureship between a local and a Chinese company.
It was part of the Sarawak Coastal Road project.
Meanwhile, the upgrading works for the five roundabouts along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway are progressing well.
A rescue contractor, the Glumox Abiz Sdn., Bhd., is now undertaking the works.
Uggah who also visited one of the sites said the progress now was at 35 per cent as against the schedule of 14.13 per cent.
The project costing a total of RM72.7 million is expected to be completed by January 10, 2024.
Uggah also checked on the progress of the upgrading works of the Jalan Matang Baru Phase 2(from Matang Jaya to Jalan Matang/ Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang Junction).
A local company, Mirecont Sdn. Bhd., has been given 18 months to complete the works starting from October 28, 2022 recently.
The upgrading will turn the present two lane single carriageway to four lane dual carriageway.
