BALINGIAN: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the timely implementation of development projects. 

To prevent delays and project failures, Datuk Amar Douglas embarked on a five-day "turun padang" or boots on the ground trip by road, which started on Monday. 

His itinerary includes visits to Miri Division, Bintulu Division, and Balingian in Mukah Division. 

Tomorrow, Datuk Amar Douglas, who is also the Sarawak Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), will be in Kapit before moving on to Sibu and Sarikei Division on Friday. 

Speaking after a briefing on road upgrades from Bintulu to Mukah, Datuk Amar Douglas described the trip as "educational, beneficial, and informative." 

Accompanying him are MIPD Deputy Minister, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, state Public Works Department (JKR) Director, Dr Cassidy Morris, and MIPD Permanent Secretary, Datuk Chiew Chee Yaw. 
 
In Miri and Bintulu, they engaged with rural elected representatives, who provided feedback on rural transformation projects and the need for road and bridge upgrades.

The feedback will inform future plans by JKR and MIPD to enhance rural connectivity. 

Datuk Amar Douglas emphasised the goal of linking all villages and longhouses by 2030, particularly in Miri and Kapit interiors. 

Despite progress, he acknowledged the persistence of a few "sick" projects but assured that strict measures are in place to address these, including potential contract terminations for non-performing contractors.

Datuk Amar Douglas highlighted significant improvements in the state’s infrastructure, attributing the progress to the GPS government's efforts. Currently, 16 bridges are under construction statewide, costing RM4.90 billion, funded by state resources. 

Upon completion, these bridges will enable seamless travel from Kuching to Limbang, eliminating the need for ferry crossings.

Focusing on the coastal road from Mukah to Bintulu, Datuk Amar Douglas reported that most of the 136.95 km construction packages are nearly complete. 

This segment, including three major bridges - Paloh, Batang Igan, and Muara Lassa - cost RM1.614 billion. 

The Paloh and Batang Igan bridges are set for completion by the end of 2025, while the Muara Lassa Bridge is expected to be ready by the end of this year, further reducing the need for ferry crossings.

To address two road stretches needing upgrades, Uggah stated that JKR headquarters had allocated RM16 million. 

Work on these stretches will commence once a contractor is appointed, ensuring continuous improvement of the state’s infrastructure network.-UKASnews