BINTULU: A key bridge construction on Sarawak's coastal and second trunk road projects, which was delayed by more than three years, is progressing well under a "rescue contractor", Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said after a working visit to the bridge today.
He expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by Hartanah Construction and Development Sdn Bhd, which was awarded the contract to finish the half-completed Sebauh bridge over the Sebauh River near here after the original contractor was axed in 2023 for failing to complete the work.
The Sebauh bridge is one of 11 bridges on the RM11 billion coastal highway and second trunk road network.
These roads serve as an alternative to the Pan Borneo Highway and will link the state's major coastal towns such as Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.
Uggah, who is also the state's Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said work on the RM74.8 million, 728.56-metre-long bridge was slightly ahead of schedule.
It is now scheduled for completion by December next year.
Seeing the progress made by Hartanah, Uggah was asked if the contractor could complete it by the target deadline.
"I want it to be completed before Christmas or even earlier," he said.
He expressed optimism that Hartanah could achieve this, noting that there would be fewer work disruptions during the upcoming dry season.
Uggah added that the company has no issues with manpower or material shortages.
Hartanah took over the job at the end of December last year and was given 24 months to deliver the project.
