KUCHING: Construction works on the RM285.540 million Batang Igan Bridge are progressing well.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in a statement yesterday wanted the contractor to take full advantage of the current good weather to speed up the pace of construction.
This was to ensure that the expected rainy season at the end of the year would not affect its progress.
He was earlier briefed on the bridge’s construction progress by officers from the Public Work Department (PWD) and representatives of the contractor.
“I am very satisfied with its progress. We expect it to be completed by the first quarter of 2025,’ he said.
The 1.439 kilometres long bridge is currently 47.28 per cent complete, slightly behind the scheduled 51.18 per cent. The slight delay is due to the shortage of certain skilled workers and high capacity crane.
“This bridge will help boost the local economy. It is a good example of how a government project can generate economic opportunities for the local people,” said Uggah after visiting the project site yesterday.
Uggah described the Batang Igan bridge as a game changer for the Igan and Matu areas.
“It will greatly enhance accessibility there. It will increase economic activities. I do not think the people ever expect such a project to come their way.
“PWD is always monitoring to ensure all standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding users safety are put into practice each time they use the ferry. Let us not wait for another unfortunate incident to happen for us to step up on our enforcement.
“So we want the department to monitor the ferry operation and to give us the feedbacks on compliance by the operators.
“Sometime after a period of lull, we tend to be slack in our enforcement and so we have directed the PWD to continue to be alert in monitoring,” he said.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department and Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya and MIPD permanent secretary Chew Chee Yaw accompanied Uggah on the working visit.
