BY JAMES WONG & NURA V LORNA
KUCHING: The construction of the 560-metre-long Batang Rambungan Bridge, once a sick project, is back on track with the appointment of a rescue contractor and it is expected to be completed within two years, by the end of 2026.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed confidence in Titanium Project Management Sdn Bhd, the new rescue contractor, to complete the project in 24 months, six months ahead of the stipulated 30-month timeline.
“Priced at RM82 million, the project’s official completion period is 30 months.
“However, the contractor assured us today they will complete it in two years. If possible, they aim for 18 months. This project has dragged on for too long. The rakyat are confused, and even the YBs (Yang Berhormat) are confused.
“Other major bridges, such as the Batang Lupar Bridge and Marudi bridge, are progressing smoothly. But here, it seemed stagnant. We hope this contractor, with their experience, will complete the job,” he said during a site visit here today.
He was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.
Uggah added that the bridge is currently at 57 per cent completion, adding that the remaining key tasks include constructing the 50-metre-high central tower, installing cables, and completing the main span.
“There are 15 bridges under the Second Trunk Road and Coastal Highway projects. We are monitoring it very closely. All are going well. Despite some rain-related delays, we are keeping a close watch on the situation.
“Therefore, I am confident that with an experienced contractor, this project can be completed within 24 months,” he added.
For the record, the first phase of works on the bridge began in mid-December 2019, after the Sarawak government took over the project when the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government cancelled its implementation in 2018.
Initially scheduled for completion in December 2022, the timeline was later revised to June 2023. By that point, the project had reached 56 per cent completion.
However, progress was further delayed due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the contractor.
In December 2023, a re-tendering process was conducted after the previous contractor was terminated for failing to meet the schedule set by the Public Works Department (JKR).
