KUCHING: The state government has no problem in giving extension of time to contractors to complete the implementation of their given projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that it accepted that the delays were due to the recent movement control order (MCO) brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have no objection to giving contractors the time extension. However, we hope all the implementing agencies like the Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Resident and District Offices, the local councils and others will closely monitor when the works begin.
“This is in the hope that the contractors will be able to catch up with the lost time. All these projects are very important to the rakyat,” he said yesterday.
On Monday, Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, had a meeting with a number of government departments in Betong on the implementation status of rural transformation projects (RTPs) in the division.
He was told that a number of the projects were inevitably delayed due to the MCO.
Among those present were Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu; Dr Richard Rapu, a political secretary to the chief minister; and Betong Division Resident, Friday Belik.
Having been given some leniency on time factor for project commencement by the state, Uggah reiterated that due diligence and accountability among contractors and all related bodies must be demonstrated at all levels of implementation.
