KUCHING: The development of the second stretch linking the Batang Samarahan bridge to the Batang Sejingkat bridge is progressing, though slightly behind schedule.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, has urged the contractor to accelerate works as the project has strategic importance.
“One of the remaining work packages, covering the Tanjong Bako-Batang Samarahan section, spans 6.3 kilometres (km) and has currently achieved 31.39 per cent physical progress.
“The project is behind schedule by about 3.71 per cent, equivalent to a delay of approximately one month,” he said.
He said this during his visit to the road construction site near the Batang Samarahan bridge today.
The Batang Samarahan-Batang Sejingkat stretch spans about 17 km, forming a crucial connection to the Batang Sejingkat bridge, which is part of the Second Trunk Road alignment.
Other packages from Tanjong Bako to Batang Sejingkat have already been completed, leaving the Tanjong Bako-Batang Samarahan section as the final missing link.
“The Batang Sejingkat bridge is scheduled for completion in June, and we hope this road section can also be completed by then to enable full road connectivity from Samarahan to Kuching,” he said.
Once completed, the new route will allow road users from coastal areas, Samarahan, Betong and surrounding areas to travel directly to Kuching by bypassing Samarahan entirely, significantly improving traffic flow and travel time.
However, he said the contractor is currently facing challenges, particularly due to ground conditions in low-lying areas and the need for extensive earthworks and embankment construction.
Aidel has also instructed the contractor to increase manpower and expedite the delivery of construction materials to ensure the project can be completed as soon as possible.
“This is a very important alignment for the Second Trunk Road. Without this connection, the full benefit of the project cannot be realised,” he said, stressing the urgency of completing the stretch to better serve coastal communities.
