KUCHING: Construction works on the Bako-Buntal road project, including the Buntal-Bako Bridge, are progressing ahead of schedule, with completion targeted for late 2027 or early 2028.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidil Lariwoo, said the 8.5-kilometre project, valued at RM123 million, has reached 26 per cent completion, placing it four months ahead of schedule.
“The progress so far is very encouraging. At this stage, the project is already four months ahead of schedule and we are confident it can be completed earlier than the original target,” he told reporters during a site visit to the proposed construction site linking Kampung Bako to Kampung Buntal here today.
He said the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) is working closely with the appointed contractor to ensure the project continues smoothly.
“From what we have seen today, the contractor has demonstrated strong capability. The works are progressing well and there are no major issues affecting construction at this point,” he said.
The project involves the construction of the main Bako-Buntal road as well as spur roads in both Kampung Buntal and Kampung Bako to complete the local road network.
Additionally, Aidil said the project has not faced issues in sourcing construction materials.
“There are no problems in obtaining materials such as sand and soil. Supply has been smooth so far,” he said.
However, he acknowledged a land access issue affecting about 600 metres of the alignment in the Buntal area.
“There is a land access issue involving about 600 metres of the road alignment in Buntal which the contractor has yet to fully access. This matter is being handled by the Land and Survey Department together with PWD,” he said.
Aidil stated that the road is being constructed according to PWD R3 standards, while roads within village areas follow PWD R1 specifications.
“Due to existing ground conditions, staged embankment works using surcharge methods are being implemented to allow proper soil settlement before final construction works proceed.
“Once the settlement process is completed and the ground condition is stable, the contractor can proceed with subsequent works such as stone base and pavement construction,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that construction progress on the bridge component has also been satisfactory and is expected to improve further once the land access issue is resolved.
“Upon completion, the road will directly link Kampung Bako and Kampung Buntal and connect to the dual carriageway linking the Sarawak Coastal Road interchange to Santubong, which is currently under construction.
“With this road in place, travel time between Bako and Buntal will be reduced to about 30 minutes, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity for residents,” he said.
