KUCHING: The delay in construction of the RM298.4mil Batang Paloh Bridge project in Mukah is concerning, says Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (pic).
He urged the contractor to make a serious effort to speed up construction, including bringing in more machinery and equipment and extending working hours.
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Uggah said this is so that the project, which has already been delayed by 96 days, can be completed by March next year.
"This is one of our problematic bridge projects. It is close to becoming what we would categorise as a sick project.
"(Delays in) such major projects will result in the public expressing their anger and frustration towards elected representatives and the government,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 26).
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Earlier in the day, he was briefed on the project status by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris and the contractor's representative.
Uggah said Sarawak JKR would draft a new work plan to speed up construction and that he plans to visit the site in July to check on its progress.
The overall progress of the two-lane 1.7km-long bridge and 4.6km of roadworks has only reached 75.25% completion, short of the scheduled 84.63%. – Bernama
