Nanta: Close monitoring underway to get plans back on track
KOTA BARU: The Works Ministry is closely monitoring 50 sick projects nationwide to ensure their implementation returns to schedule, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said they were identified from a total of 865 projects under the ministry’s purview, with only seven of the 104 projects in Kelantan classified as sick.
Nanta said the delays were caused by various factors, including contractors’ financial and management problems, land acquisition issues, utility relocation and unforeseen site conditions such as underground obstructions not detected during the planning stage.
“To date, we have identified 50 sick projects out of 865 projects nationwide. We closely monitor each one to determine the most appropriate course of action, including whether a project should be terminated.
“However, if a project is close to completion, with only about 10% to 15% of the work remaining, we may grant an extension of time, as terminating the contract and appointing a new contractor would incur higher costs,” he told reporters after a working visit to the FT209 and FT131 road upgrading project from the Pasir Hor interchange to Panchor here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Nanta said the status of delayed projects is reviewed every week following the post-Cabinet meeting to assess progress and identify measures to ensure timely completion.
“I have also tasked my deputy with overseeing the monitoring of sick projects nationwide to ensure follow-up actions are carried out effectively.
“For projects that continue to record unsatisfactory performance, appropriate action will be taken, including removing contractors or terminating contracts,” he said.
On the FT209 and FT131 road upgrading project, Nanta said the RM191mil project is scheduled for completion in September next year.
“The project has achieved 71.61% physical progress to date, while land acquisition involving 300 lots has cost more than RM200mil.
“We also received a request from Pengkalan Chepa MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, who is present here, to address flooding affecting nearby residents as a result of the project.
“To resolve the issue, I have instructed the contractor to immediately construct a temporary 40m drainage channel to mitigate the flooding until the project is completed next year,” he said.
