SIMANGGANG: Delays in Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects must be addressed immediately through coordinated discussions among agencies and contractors to prevent them from becoming “sick projects”.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said unresolved implementation issues could stall progress and delay the benefits intended for rural communities.
He stressed that problematic projects should be brought to the negotiating table so that all stakeholders clearly understand the constraints involved and can identify practical solutions.
“Contractors must also fully understand the scope and specifications before participating in tenders to ensure smooth implementation until completion,” he said after visiting RTP project sites in Sungai Reboh, Ijok, and Entebar recently.
Harden, who is also the Simanggang assemblyman, emphasised that close cooperation among implementing agencies, contractors, and community representatives is essential to ensure projects are completed on schedule or earlier.
He said timely completion is important to enable residents to benefit from government-provided infrastructure without unnecessary delays.
Earlier, he officiated at the handover of the site for an RTP project to upgrade cemetery access roads in Kampung Sungai Reboh and Kampung Ijok, involving a total allocation of RM300,000, and expected to be completed within four months.
He also handed over the site for repair works on the Entebar Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Activity Centre, valued at RM100,000 and scheduled for completion within three months.
