KUCHING: Batang Lupar Bridge 1 is facing a delay due to late deliveries and contractors competing for raw materials.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure Development and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) Ir Aidel Lariwoo said the main reason for the delay was late delivery of steel permanent casing, which is 2.5m in size, expected to be arriving on site somewhere in May.
“Currently, the progress of the project is at 3.4 per cent, slightly behind the initial 9.59 per cent scheduled time,” he told the media during a site visit.
He also stated that proposals from the contractor’s request for time extension cases such as large waves in the estuary area of Batang Lupar affect the works of the bridge from being constructed.
The cost of the Batang Lupar Bridge 1 is RM848mil. The Batang Lupar Bridge 1 will replace the ferries, likewise with other bridges being built in Batang Saribas, Batang Kerian and other bridges across Sarawak.
He also disclosed that the cost did not increase, following what’s stated in the contract and understands that all contractors are competing to source for raw materials like piling and many others.
“It is similar to the construction of Pan Borneo and Coastal Road contractors when they have to compete for raw materials because the projects are running simultaneously, so the construction for the bridge earlier did not involve an increase in costs.
“Most constructions of the bridges are currently going through a delay as it is operating simultaneously in Sarawak from Rambungan Bridge to Limbang Bridge.”
According to Aidel, it was the government’s intention to replace all ferry services throughout Sarawak and once all constructions are completed, ferry services would no longer be in operation.
He elaborated further that not only Batang Lupar Bridge was facing a delay, but also Rambungan Bridge, Sejingkat and many others.
“Again, this is due to contractors competing for raw materials and shortage of workers.
“But I hope as we enter the endemic phase and the border finally reopens, the issue with shortage of workers will be solved by the contractors.
“This is the longest bridge, possibly in Borneo Island and in Malaysia, when completed.”
