KUCHING: The progress of Jalan Baru Matang, Phase 2, from Matang Jaya to Jalan Matang Jalan Batu Kawa-Matang Junction is currently at 15.2 per cent completion.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, in confirming the work progress, said despite a slight delay of 0.9 per cent, the project is expected to be completed by May 2025.
“This project is crucial for the urban landscape of Kuching, especially in the Matang Jaya area under the Tupong constituency.
“Despite the minor delay, we are optimistic that the contractor will surpass the scheduled target this month, positioning the project ahead of schedule,” he told a press conference after a site visit today (Jan 16).
Addressing concerns about traffic congestion during peak hours, Aidel stressed the implementation of a comprehensive traffic management plan by the contractor and the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak.
“The afternoon traffic from the E-mart roundabout to this location is congested due to the ongoing road construction.
“However, the contractor has taken significant steps to manage traffic, including the use of temporary road dividers and warning signs, aiming to prevent accidents and severe congestion in the area,” he added.
Aidel also revealed that the original contract sum for the project was RM54.59 million, with revisions to the extension of time (EOT) extending the completion date to May 2025.
While acknowledging the possibility of additional EOTs, Aidel expressed confidence in the contractor’s performance, hinting at a potential early completion.
Initially a spur road supervised by PWD, the ongoing upgrade is transforming it into an urban road designed to meet PWD U4 dual carriageway standards. Covering 4.4 km from the Matang Road junction to the Batu Kawa-Matang Kuching Road junction, the project holds significant importance.
Commencing before the Covid-19 pandemic, the project faced complications leading to the termination of the previous contractor. Subsequently, it underwent a retendering process and is now being handled by a rescue contractor, reinvigorating its progress.
Also present during the site visit was Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
