KOTA SAMARAHAN: The construction of the road project from Kuching to Kota Samarahan has been retendered to a new contractor this year.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang informed that the retendering of the project was done as the previous contractor failed to meet the specified performance standards.
She said this situation had led to delays in the project which should have been fully completed this year.
"The road should have been completed this year, but due to issues with the contractor, technical problems, and so on, it has been retendered and has already resumed.
"This project will be fully completed next year," she said.
She said this when met by the media after attending the Aidilfitri Open House event organised by Stakan assemblyman, Datuk Hamzah Brahim here, on Sunday.
Datuk Rubiah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kota Samarahan, rejected claims that the project delays were due to financial issues and made it clear that it faced challenges due the previously appointed contractor.
"It's not a budget issue but only implementation and technical issues.
"When both roads have been completed within the new period, then, we can effectively address and manage the congestion issue from Kota Samarahan to Kuching," she added.
Also present was Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof who was given the honour to present funds to 68 recipients.
The recipients consist of Islamic and Christian religious houses of worship, Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) of schools around Kota Samarahan, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), associations, and clubs, totalling RM274,000.
Also present were Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, DUN Sarawak Deputy Speaker, Dato Idris Buang, and Kota Samarahan Division Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang. -UKASnews
