PHOTO: RAMIDI SUBARI
KUCHING: Newly appointed Works Minister, Baru Bian stressed that critical projects, namely hospitals, roads and schools, must be prioritised, must be continued, completed and given attention. He said this during a press conference held at Grand Continental Hotel here yesterday, which marked his first return to the state since being appointed as Minister of Works last week.
He disclosed he had already been briefed on the progress of most projects, including the Pan Borneo Highway. “As Phase One of the project had already been awarded, it has to be honoured.
“Whether we are going to amend the terms and conditions, I think that it has to be based on the signed contract. I don’t think we have that kind of rights. However, if there is an issue or a breach of contract, it is open for us to review and examine,” Baru said, adding that various packages had been given under Phase One.
The Works Minister also said the second phase of the project have not been implemented yet. When asked about the availability of project funds, Baru said it was up to the Finance Ministry, but assured that the government would do what was best for the people.
Regarding issues of dilapidated schools and contractors using the Industrialised Building System (IBS), Baru said that the underlying problem was the inaccessibility of transportation as not all materials and components were readily available.
“Hence, one way to solve this issue is to ensure that good roads connect the interior areas of the state. If we don’t have this, we will have problems implementing the projects we have planned. On his appointment, Baru said he was very honoured to have been appointed in the Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s cabinet.
“I will try my very best to represent Sarawak, together with a fellow Deputy Minister from Sarawak, Chong Chieng Jen, I believe that both of us are in the position to speak for Sarawak at the federal level,” Baru said.
