Site relocation, PH govt – Ministry explains delay in Batang Igan bridge project

MUKAH: The delay in Batang Igan bridge project is due to the relocation of the project site, says a statement from Ministry of Works.

“The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) had obtained approval for the bridge site earlier from Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA) to build the bridge and preliminary work including the design had been completed in 2016,” it stated.

It stated that at federal level, the project had been approved by Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under the Prime Minister’s Department (UPE) on Feb 23, 2016. A discussion by EPU was held July 18 - July 21 in Kuching.

During the discussion, a representative from Matu District

Office said the residents wanted the bridge to be built at a site nearby - Kampung Igan Ferry Jetty.

“The relocation of site delayed the implementation of the project because works such as land surveying, soil investigation, structural design and so forth would take at least a year.”

The project, supposed to start in 2017 could only commence in 2018.

Tender called on Sept 20, 2017 closed Dec 18, 2017. The Ministry of Finance then gave the approval to a contractor on April 2, 2018 .

Unfortunately, the project was postponed by Ministry of Finance under Pakatan Harapan (PH) government on Aug 3, 2018.

It stated that the PH government also cancelled two other major bridge projects namely Batang Lupar Bridge and Rambungan Bridge.

Now, Batang Igan Bridge costing RM285 million is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The project is now fully implemented by the state government.