THE groundwork for Rembus Depot, the central hub of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system’s operations and administration, is ongoing, with its progress currently at 33.54 per cent.
State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that the project is on schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2024.
“Several other tenders for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Phase 1 project are at various stages.
“The tender for Rembus Depot and associated works was closed in September this year. The scope of works includes mechanical and infrastructure workshops, administration and operation control centre, as well as a stabling yard.
“Subsequently, the tender for Red Line Package 1, encompassing the ART lane, stations, systems, and utility works from Kuching Sentral to Pending, was closed in October 2023,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Nov 27).
He also said that the Blue Line Package 1, extending from Rembus to Stutong and incorporating the Sg Kuap Bridge, was awarded to Ibraco Construction Sdn Bhd, China Railway Engineering Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, and Nanyang Tunnel Engineering Sdn Bhd Joint Venture on November 10, 2023, for RM 568.61 million.
“As of October 2023, the overall actual progress of KUTS Phase 1 is at 14.43 per cent. The capital expenditure has reached RM403.43 million, reflecting the financial commitment to this transformative project,” he added.
Addressing the issues raised by the Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, Lee said, “The ART is a component of the KUTS project, which aims to improve public transport in the city and surrounding areas.
“In line with Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the global target to adopt green technology, the hydrogen-powered ART was chosen as the backbone of this project, offering competitive costs compared to other urban rail transit projects.”
He assured that stringent monitoring procedures are in place to ensure the project stays within the approved budget.
“As of today, the current packages awarded are within the estimated project allocation.
“My ministry is monitoring this project to ensure that all procurement activities align with the Sarawak Government Project Procurement Policy (PPP),” he said.
He added that his Ministry also prioritises overall cost-saving measures through sound project management.
