SAMARAHAN: The second line of the Samarahan–Kuching Coastal Road Project from Batang Samarahan to Sejingkat, which is approximately 17 kilometres (km), has been identified as the most critical segment in ensuring the full continuity of the new road network connecting the coastal area to Kuching.

Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo said that without the completion of the line, the benefits of the entire project could not be fully realised despite the completion of the other two packages.

“This is a very important line. If this section is not completed, then the other two sections that have been completed will also not be fully utilised because users will still have to go through Samarahan,” he said during a working visit to the site of the new road project from Tanjung Bako to Batang Samarahan Bridge, on Thursday.

He added that one of the main packages, which is 6.3 km long, currently recorded physical progress of around 31.39 per cent, which is approximately 3.71 per cent behind the original schedule, equivalent to almost a month's delay.

“This package is slightly behind schedule. However, we have urged the contractor to speed up the work, especially in terms of the delivery of construction materials and additional manpower,” he explained.

Datuk Ir Aidel also informed that the other package from Tanjung Bako to Sejingkat has been fully completed, while the Batang Sejingkat Bridge is scheduled to be completed next June.

“We hope that this section can also be completed in parallel so that the full connection from Samarahan to Kuching can be realised,” he said.

He explained that among the main challenges of the project is the land reclamation work, as the route is a low-lying and wide area.

He added that the revised new completion date for the package is July next year, but the state government is insisting that the work be expedited ahead of schedule.

"We want it to be completed as soon as possible because this alignment is key to the project's objective, which is to allow residents of coastal areas such as Samarahan, Betong and surrounding areas to travel directly to Kuching without going through the centre of Samarahan," he said. -UKASnews

Reporter: Eisner Nala
Photographer: Eisner & Hisyam
Translator: Nerissa Sia