KUCHING: State Public Works Department (JKR) Director, Ir Zuraimi Sabki paid a visit to the construction site of Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak (LPBS) recently.
He inspected the 89.4km Pantu Junction to Batang Skrang (PJS) works package of which construction works is being undertaken by the main contractor, Naim-Gamuda JV Sdn Bhd.
Zuraimi and his entourage stopped at the border of Serian Roundabout to Pantu Junction (SPJ) and PJS where they were welcomed by Lebuhraya Borneo Utara (LBU) Sdn Bhd Project Manager for PJS, Ramasamy Kailasan.
While at the Lachau site office, they were provided with personal protection equipment (PPE) which is a must for any individuals before the site office as required by the stringent safety and health practices adopted by LBU.
The first stop made by Zuraimi was at Bukit Begunan where he looked at the site clearance and earthworks which were being carried out in the area.
With Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, the steep climb and descend for road-users at Bukit Begunan, the site of many accidents, will be reduced to a gentler gradient in line with R5 road standards.
This new road design entails construction of a new alignment for the stretch on the side of Bukit Begunan. Massive earthworks to cut and fill the site are being undertaken.
The second stop was made at PJS Chainage 25+000 to inspect the completed slope protection and stretch of road-base.
Along the way, other activities such as ground improvement works, slope stabilisation and protection, as well as culvert and drainage works are also being carried out.
The next stop on the site visit was at Temudok base camp where Zuraimi and his entourage inspected the modern accommodation blocks, canteen and kitchen block of the Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ).
The base camp also houses a training centre, workshop and stock yard.
After Temudok base camp, Zuraimi proceeded to the PJS site office to attend a full briefing on the project progress of PJS.
Zuraimi when met said he was very impressed with how the project was being managed.
“Everywhere work is on-going. PJS also has adopted very good practices in road construction which includes its safety, health and environment, especially the CLQ. This works package should be the benchmark for WPCs as well as for JKR,” he said.
