MARUDI: Contractors undertaking infrastructural projects like bridges state-wide have been advised to take full advantage of the prevailing good weather.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said they should put in extra efforts to catch-up on any delays to the projects.

He pointed out that the government had now approved many road projects state-wide and was in the process of implementing them.

“The state Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to triple their efforts in preparing for the implementation. In Marudi district alone, we have around 10 road projects.

“But as a matter of fact, in the Miri Division, there are now two agencies involved in road construction namely the PWD and Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda).

“Recoda is specially doing those roads in the Highland Development Agency areas so the PWD’s tasks have been reduced but it will continue to do close monitoring of all the implementation,” he said after visiting the Marudi bridge here Tuesday.

Uggah was happy with its construction progress.

“It is now 68.4 per cent done compared to its schedule of 56.33 per cent in its two-year construction period.

“It is expected to be completed in September this year compared to its original schedule which is by June 2025,” he said.

According to him, when Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg visited Marudi last year, he had requested the contractor to try to complete it within two years.

“From what we can see here today, the contractor is doing very well on this request. They have their machinery and materials including doing the fabrications at the site.

“Although they face a worker shortage, they compensate by also working at night. That is how they can make such an achievement,” he said.

Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit Sendirian Berhad is undertaking the remaining works on the project at a contract sum of RM116.5 million.

Uggah was accompanied by Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Mangil and the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Datu Chiew Chee Yau.