MIRI: The Ministry of Works (KKR) has assured that the Pan Borneo Sarawak Highway (LPB) project will be completed according to specifications and schedule, to ensure that its benefits can be enjoyed by the people as soon as possible.

Its Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said for WPC Package 11, two main remaining projects are now being focused on, namely the construction of the 300-metre Bukit Song Viaduct and the 4.2-kilometre (km) road upgrade which can only begin after the completion of the replacement of the Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd water pipe.

“The Bukit Song Viaduct construction work has now reached 98 per cent physical progress and is expected to be completed in October 2025.

“The decision to build the viaduct was made because the soil conditions at Bukit Song are not suitable for reclamation, therefore this is a more stable and safe long-term solution,” he said.

However, he explained, the entire package could not be fully completed this year as planned due to the critical need to replace the Sarawak Water water pipe before the 4.2 km road upgrade work begins.

As a mitigation measure, Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak together with the contractor have drawn up a new action plan which includes avoiding water supply disruptions in Miri, ensuring safety and compliance with construction specifications and implementing the replacement of new pipes and road upgrades in phases starting in the second quarter of 2026, with an implementation period of 24 months.

Dato Sri Alexander stressed that KKR through JKR Sarawak will continue to ensure continuous engagement between the project and contractor, in addition to regular monitoring to ensure that the work runs smoothly.

“Despite the slight delay, this additional step is appropriate to ensure that the water supply to Miri city is not affected and to avoid the risk of road damage in the future,” he said. -UKASnews