KUCHING: “Don’t worry, allocation is still available and the construction of Pagan Bridge and three main roads in the Saratok parliamentary constituency is now being implemented,” emphasised caretaker federal Senior Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
“I know there are some major projects that have not been completed such as roads, bridges and piers.
“This is because when the country was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic, it caused the price of goods to rise so some projects had to be reviewed and resulted in some delays.
“However, God willing, after the election…I will make sure the projects are implemented.
“Most of the implementation, especially for the Bajau-Kupang Road project which costs RM90mil, will be tendered in December. Now the land acquisition process is almost complete and that means the tender process will be implemented,” he said.
Fadillah, who is also the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip, said this after inspecting the damage to the pier at the wharf near here on Today(Nov 16).
As for the 500m Pagan Bridge that spans across Krian River in Saratok, Fadillah explained that the project was estimated at RM85.5mil and currently in the design process and expected to be tendered in the first quarter of 2023.
“Jalan Pagan, Saratok to Kampung Kaba is currently in the process of paving.
“The 15km Serandong, Perpat to Paloh and Batang Maro roads are in the negotiation stage between the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) and the contractor – expected to be completed by the end of November.”
All the projects are funded by KPLB with the Public Works Department (JKR) as the implementing agency.
Regarding the congestion at Simpang Saratok, Fadillah stated that this would be studied for the next planning.
“The initial design of the Pan Borneo Highway did have a flyover but due to limited budget, it was removed from the plan.
“However, I am aware that this causes congestion and, God willing, it will be built in the next planning. There are several other places, including in Saratok, we will improve in terms of elevated intersections.”
