SAMARAHAN: Contractors involved in the construction of major bridges and roads in the state under the supervision of the Public Work Department (JKR) must avoid problems to ensure efficient implementation of development projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said this after he visited four major projects under construction – the RM848 million Batang Lupar Bridge at Triso, RM385 million Batang Saribas Bridge 1 at Kuala Saribas, the RM375 million Batang Saribas 2 Bridge near Pusa, both in the Betong Division and the RM321 million Batang Rajang bridge and the Pasi/ Tanjung Manis/Sibu Road near Sarikei on Friday.
Uggah who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) was given detailed briefings on the progress of their construction by JKR officers and the contractors concerned.
He was told that apart from labour shortages, the projects also experienced delays in receiving specialised equipments from overseas, issues that should have been nipped in the bud.
“I hope these project monitoring consultants as well as JKR especially will crack down on
the construction delays in the early stages.
“All necessary measures must be taken to ensure the construction schedules are on track.
“In the briefings given to me there are some issues which need to be addressed.
“I hope the JKR will closely monitor these projects do encounter any major problem,” he said.
Also present during the visits were Assistant Minister Datuk Majang Renggi and JKR deputy director Richard Tajan.
