DARO: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah is optimistic construction works on the Batang Paloh Bridge project in Tanjung Manis and the Muara Lassa Bridge here will be completed by December next year.
He said the 1.7-kilometre-long Batang Paloh Bridge costing RM298 million, was facing a slight delay, with 58.33 per cent of work completed compared to its schedule rate of 63.88 per cent.
“It is facing a unique problem where ships, barges and others now and then would knock into its sixth and seventh pile caps in the river.
“Each time this happened, it affected the work flow as the contractor has to do the repairs. But, I am very confident we will have a solution,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Infrastructure and Port Development Minister said his ministry, the Public Works Department, the Resident’s and District Offices would meet with the relevant agencies soon to resolve the problem.
“Then, the contractor can work without further disruption for the bridge to be completed by December 2024,” he said after visiting the project with his deputy Minister Aidel Lariwoo, Semop assemblyman Datuk Abdullah Saidol and Daro assemblyman Shafiee Ahmad on Tuesday. Also joining them was the ministry’s permanent secretary Chiew Chee Yaw.
Uggah said the visit was to monitor the progress and ensure all outstanding projects are delivered as scheduled.
On the RM597 million Muara Lassa Bridge, Uggah was pleased that the contractor, Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit, was up to speed.
He said the progress of the project was on schedule but hoped they would take full advantage of the good weather in the next few months.
“This is the second longest bridge in the state at 2.43-kilometres. This is one of the bridges that will transform the surrounding coastal areas,” he said.
He added it was an effort by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to upgrade infrastructure facilities in the rural areas.
Uggah also said the two bridges were part of the Coastal Highway and the Second Trunk Road projects costing a total of RM11 billion and financed wholly by the state government.
The two bridges, he said, were part of the 11 bridges in the Coastal Highway and Second Trunk Road, which were funded by the alternative funding created by Abang Johari.
