SARIKEI: Work on the Batang Rajang Bridge project at Jalan Pasi-Tanjong Manis is proceeding smoothly after being held up slightly by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh who visited the project site recently expressed satisfaction with the work progress.
Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) quoted him as saying the project, costing RM312 million, has reached 72 per cent completion despite it being 3 per cent behind schedule due to Covid-19.
He explained that the project is now running smoothly as the majority of the workforce is local residents besides sufficient supply of materials.
“The project which started in 2018 was expected to be completed in 2022 but due to Covid-19, a two-year extension of time (EOT) was given. Hopefully this project will be completed in the third quarter or near the end of 2024,” he said during his working visit to the project site, recently.
According to Len, the long-term plan is for the central region’s growth, taking into account potential such as agriculture and tourism which can boost the Sarikei, Julau, Pakan and Tanjong Manis economy.
“With the establishment of the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), we already have a long-term plan where we have identified more than 400 infrastructure projects under the management of RADDA from 2023 to 2030 at a cost of almost RM17 billion,” he said.
Earlier, Len was briefed on the status of the project by a representative from the Public Works Department of Sarikei Division and a consultant.
