KUCHING: The 1.281-km Sejingkat Bridge is slated for completion by December next year, easing direct travel between Samarahan and Sejingkat.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the project is progressing despite design changes, with 37 metres of pylons left to complete, while the base is done and the road deck is next.
Spanning the Sarawak River, the RM365.7 million dual-carriageway cable-stayed bridge is expected to have a significant multiplier effect, particularly on the local economy through increased investment in the area.
“During a meeting with the contractors and related agencies, we had a very constructive discussion and reached an understanding that the project must be expedited. The contractors and consultants are prepared to restructure their work programme.
“This is a project located in the heart of Kuching City, and it is a very critical route. Once the bridge is completed, people can travel through the coastal road without traffic congestion.
“We will monitor it closely and provide any necessary assistance to the contractors to ensure this project is completed on time,” he told the media during a site visit to the proposed second Kuching-Samarahan Trunk Road (Bridge over Sarawak River at Sejingkat) today.
Despite encountering some challenges, the experienced contractors assured that they will deliver the project as expected while expressing hope that the weather will not cause significant delays.
Uggah, who is also the Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Minister, called on the Public Works Department (PWD) to provide necessary assistance.
“If they face any issues, they must inform us. As for us at MIPD and PWD, we will conduct very close monitoring of all projects, going to the ground to assess the situation directly,” he added.
Also present was Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.
