KUCHING: Phase One of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), including its design and engineering works, system works, procurement, land acquisition and construction works, is now at 25.8%, says Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shim.
The Sarawak Transport Minister said that RM840.47mil has been spent so far, highlighting the state’s financial commitment to the project.
"The total number of main package contracts for the KUTS Phase One project awarded to date comprises nine packages,” Lee told the Sarawak State Assembly on Monday (Nov 18) in his winding-up address.
“There are five infrastructure package contracts, two system package contracts, the Bus Integrated System (BIS) contract and the recently-awarded contract to supply hydrogen buses.
"These packages, particularly the infrastructure and bus contracts, were awarded through an open tender process in full compliance with governance and procurement regulations, ensuring transparency, competitiveness and value for money,” he said.
He said that construction for the ART Rembus Depot, Blue Line and Red Line, which began earlier this year is currently in progress, including foundation work for the main buildings, utility relocation, structural work for the stations, and the construction of a new ART bridge at Sungai Kuap.
"After phase one of the KUTS Project, it is also in the plans that another line, Yellow line, will be included in the future phase. This proposed alignment will connect Moyan to Sarawak General Hospital, addressing connectivity needs in areas currently under-served,” Lee said.
He adding that a feasibility study will be carried out for the proposed Bintulu-Samalaju ART project, expected to take 12 months. - Bernama
