BETONG: Construction of the RM848.7 million Batang Lupar 1 bridge, which at 4.8km will be the longest bridge to be built across a river in the country, is on track.        

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said it is on schedule despite challenges by inclement weather in particular.

“I believe the contractor, Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd is capable of completing it earlier than its scheduled completion date of July 7, 2025.

“The company is partnering one of China’s biggest and reputable construction firms which is the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Company Limited in the project,” said Uggah when visiting the project site here, Wednesday (March 1).

He noted that the current weather and rough sea conditions are challenges affecting the construction but nevertheless expressed satisfaction with the overall progress which is at 16.59 per cent as opposed to the scheduled 20.71 per cent.

“I am rather happy as at least I am not visiting a sick project considering its length, cost and other specifications and all the challenges,” he added.

He said when the company could get even more workers from China, the construction work could be expedited.

Earlier, Uggah was briefed on the work progress by Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak deputy director Cassidy Morris and Perbena Emas executive director Helen Teng.

Uggah who is Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) also visited the Batang Saribas 1 and 2 bridge projects here and was also satisfied with their work progress.

The 1.55 kilometer long Batang Saribas 1 bridge costing RM375.5 million is targeted to be completed by May 22, 2024 and its current work progress is at 62.51 per cent, ahead of the scheduled 61.61 per cent.

On the other hand, the RM385 million 4.2 kilometer long Batang Saribas 2 bridge is scheduled to be completed by May 24, 2025.

Its construction progress is at 12.19 per cent compared to its schedule of 11.22 per cent.

Uggah also gave assurance that the ministry and the state PWD would continue to monitor closely the implementation of all approved projects.

” We will be strict in our monitoring or supervision and continue to do frequent ground visits to check on or verify the progress reports sent to us.

“When projects are approved and announced, the rakyat are very anxious to use them so we need to ensure they will be delivered based on the quality and delivery schedule agreed upon.” Uggah said.

Also accompanying Uggah at the visit was the Ministry’s permanent secretary Chiew Chew Yaw.