Projects slightly behind schedule
Works Minister explains factors behind projects falling behind schedule, assures work ongoing
KUCHING: Ongoing projects in Sarawak under the purview of the Ministry of Works are slightly behind schedule.
This was disclosed by its minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who said one of the projects is the four-lane road from the roundabout near E-mart Matang towards Stapok, Batu Kawah which is currently 93 per cent completed.
Though the project is slightly behind schedule, right now it looks like they (contractors) are catching up. Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Works
“Though the project is slightly behind schedule, right now it looks like they (contractors) are catching up,” he told reporters when met after presenting some financial contributions to Tupong constituency residents at At-Taqwa Mosque here yesterday.
The Petra Jaya MP also noted that based on the report from the state Public Works Department (JKR), his ministry has decided to extend the time frame of the project.
“There are several factors that contribute to this extension of time such as the conversion of utility, events such as the last Sukma which did not permit vehicles to use roads in the area and so on.”
Fadillah also gave an update on the section of the Pan Borneo Highway project between Mile 10 of Jalan Kuching- Serian to Mile 15.“This project is right now at 51 per cent completion and roughly three per cent behind schedule due to factors that are slightly complicated such as the utilities as well as traffic f low which is rather congested.
“Nevertheless, we are monitoring this closely,” he said.
He added that the Samarahan Bridge is now 69 per cent complete whi le the Sungai Rimbas Bridge in Pusa is currently at around 93 per cent completion.
On new projects from the 2nd Rolling Plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan, Fadillah said projects such as the f lyover at Jalan Medan Jaya- Jalan Tun Hussein Onn in Bintulu are currently in the process of appointing consultants whereas the Batang Igan Bridge project is still in the process of value management and value engineering.
Meanwhile, when asked on what could be done to ease traffic congestion during the construction of four flyovers from Mile 4½ to Mile 10 of Kuching- Serian Road, Fadillah said standard operating procedures would be applied.
“When constructing roads, we have set guidelines, specifically traffic management programmes (TMPs) to reduce inconvenience to road users and to determine that the safety level is good.
“But at the same time, we also hope that road users understand that whenever there is construction, there will be temporary inconvenience and discomfort. This is why they have to follow the directions and whatever notices that are issued from time to time so as to facilitate the traffic flow and reduce congestion,” he advised.
KUCHING: Parents, particularly those in the Petra Jaya parlimentary constituency, are urged to support their children if they decide to take up skills training.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said they can opt to send their children to hone their skills at training institutions such as the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM) which serves as a training centre for youths who are interested in the skills industry.
“The ABM, which is under the Ministry of Works, can train our children with certain skills. If they are interested in fields such as electric, welding, piping and so on, they can be trained under this agency.
“The skills and recognised certificate can serve as a stepping stone for them to change their lives,” he said at the presentation of financial contributions to Tupong constituency residents at AtTaqwa Mosque here yesterday.
“Parents who have children that require assistance such as this, please drop by my Petra Jaya Service Centre or Tupong Constituency Service Centre to ensure that your children can identify their interest with us,” he said.
On the financial contribution, Fadillah said it is the practice during the holy month of Ramadan to perform charitable acts and hand over contributions so as to establish love among the society.
“Today ( yesterday), we witnessed a contribution for 167 recipients comprising single mothers, people with disabilities ( OKU), orphans and the poor as well as six suraus from around Gita area who are also receiving contributions from the Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Masjid AtTaqwa Kampung Gita Matang.”
Also present were Tupong assemblyman Fazruddin Abdul Rahman and Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Masjid At-Taqwa Kampung Gita chairman Akbar Ibrahim.