KUCHING: The Batang Saribas 2 bridge project is on track to be completed by the end of the year, having progressed beyond the halfway mark, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
The Sarawak Deputy Premier said the RM385mil project was currently at 65.1% completion.
"Our target is for the bridge to be completed in December, which is about eight months away.
"We notice that the contractor has sufficient workers and machinery, while the monsoon season is over and hopefully in the next few months, the weather will be fine.
"Thus I hope our target completion date is met," he said after inspecting the project at Kuala Saribas on the coast of central Sarawak on Friday (Apr 11).
Uggah said he had instructed the state Public Works Department (JKR) and consultants to carry out extensive supervision of the project to ensure its timely completion.
"They must ensure that there will be no issue that can interfere with or delay the progress," he said.
At 2.39km long, the Batang Saribas 2 bridge will be the third longest in Sarawak.
Uggah also said the state Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry, which he helms, and JKR would constantly be on the ground to monitor the implementation of infrastructure projects.
He said this would allow them to identify and resolve any issues which could cause delays, leading to earlier completion times.
"In implementing projects, JKR can face problems related to land ownership and inclement weather. Sometimes contractors will have their own problems.
"If we are continuously on the ground, checking and solving problems, construction can proceed smoothly to meet the scheduled completion date or even earlier," he said.
