LUNDU: The construction of the Rambungan bridge, which should be ready by June this year, has been delayed due to several problems, including the lack of manpower and technical issues.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Aidel Lariwoo said the project is now expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
He said that slow progress of the construction has caught the ministry’s attention and has become an issue.
“This is the third time we have visited the site here and looking at the progression of the project, I was told that only 42 per cent of the work has been completed.
“This got us worried because it means that the construction is well behind schedule. Supposedly, by now, it should have been completed,” said Aidel.
He said this during a site visit together with Public Works Department (PWD) officers and the contractor yesterday (March 2).
“There are certain parts of the construction that required more time to complete, such as the cement poles that hold the bridge and the river piers.
“This can take some time to complete because work is done on the river and the contractors have limited time because of the high tide,” he added.
At the same time, Aidel said firm action will be taken to ensure that the bridge can be completed on time as the bridge is of importance for the community in Lundu and its surrounding areas.
“In Lundu, all eight small bridges along this road have been completed and are being used thanks to Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Anuar Adenan who is constantly monitoring the projects.
“So, this is the only bridge that has yet to be completed. We will figure out a way to speed up the work here,” said Aidel.
Azizul also expressed dissatisfaction and frustration about the Rambungan bridge construction and hoped that the ministry will take firm action and look for options to complete the project in a timely manner.
“This is frustrating and I hope that the ministry can do something about it, so that it can be completed on schedule,” said Azizul.
The cost of the bridge construction is RM98.5 million and the work has been delayed for several years.
The delay of the work has also been due to the shortage of cash flow, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
