PUSA: The Batang Saribas 2 bridge project, which currently has achieved 65.1 per cent completion, is targeted to be completed in December this year .

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the bridge project currently has 34.9 per cent left to be completed.

“Our target is for this RM385 million bridge to be completed in December this year which is about eight months away.

"We notice that the contractor has sufficient workers, sufficient machinery and as the monsoon season is over it will hopefully be fine weather in the next few months. Thus I hope our target completion date is met,” he said.

He told the media this after inspecting construction progress of the Batang Saribas 2 bridge project at Kuala Saribas on Friday.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) added that he had instructed Director of Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, Dr. Cassidy Morris to ensure successful completion of the bridge project.

"But it will need hard work so I have requested JKR and the consultants to do very extensive supervision of it.

"So, I have directed the JKR Sarawak Director, Dr. Cassidy Morris and his team and the consultants and contractor to work out a work plan to ensure its successful completion.

"They must ensure that there will be no issue that can interfere or delay the process," he stressed.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Batang Saribas 2 bridge at 2.39 kilometers long will be Sarawak third longest out of its 16 bridges and one of great pride.

He emphasised that MIPD and JKR Sarawak would be on the ground to monitor infrastructure project implementation progress, allowing them to identify and resolve any issues or problems which could delay the construction works.

Later, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah accompanied by Dr. Cassidy and several senior officers took a test drive through the almost completed Batang Saribas 1 bridge nearby.

This RM375.5 million bridge crossing the Saribas River is expected to be open to the public in May this year. -UKASnews