KUCHING: Contractors have been reminded that they are subjected to constant monitoring and site visits to ensure timely completion of construction projects.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reminded during a site visit to the Jalan Baru Matang Phase 2 upgrading project, stating that close monitoring and visits were especially for formerly sick projects which had been handed over to new or rescue contractors.
“My visit today marks the beginning of this close monitoring. This Jalan Baru Matang Phase 2 project was formerly a sick project.
“So, we have appointed a new contractor to continue on with the remaining works,” he said during his visit to the project yesterday (Feb 16).
The Infrastructure and Port Development Minister added he and his two deputy ministers, Datuk Majang Renggi and Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Datuk Richard Tajan would conduct regular visits to project sites.
“We will split up so that we can cover more areas. It is our hope that by this April we will be able to know the work progress of all these projects.
“We do not want a situation where a sick project is handed over to a new contractor but the contractor becomes ‘sakit’ (sick) as well,” he said, while adding that there were about 50 of such projects that were sick projects and handed over to new or rescue contractors statewide.
Uggah also stressed the need for proactive involvement in case remedial actions were necessary.
“Contractors must also remember that they must heed the JKR ruling where they needed to begin works on their project upon one month of the handing over of the site to them.
“If they failed, the department will initiate termination notice. This is one option for us to ensure our infrastructure projects will be completed as scheduled,” he said.
On the RM54.5 million Jalan Baru Matang Phase 2 project, Uggah said he was happy with its progress and the project is expected to be ready by May 2025.
“It is for the construction and completion of the remaining upgrading works. From the present two lane single carriageway it will be turned into a four lane dual carriageway with a total length of about 4.44 kilometres.
“It is now .86 per cent ahead of schedule. But there are some issues which I have directed the JKR and the Sarawak Energy Berhad to iron out soonest,” he said.
