KUCHING: The first phase of the multi-billion Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak will be completed according to schedule despite the delay in the construction works and damage caused by floods.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said there were roads involved in the construction of the highway within locations affected by floods.
The damage, he said, was compounded by heavy vehicles driving through stagnant water at the areas.
“This is the challenge faced by contractors during the wet spell. Contractors had to delay the construction works on routes inundated by water causing damage to the surface of the road.
“At the same time, we cannot prevent heavy vehicles and lorries from driving through as they need to fulfill the logistic needs for the people.
“Having said that, contractors involved in the construction of the project have given their assurance to increase their work load once the wet spell is over,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) 14th Triennial Delegates’ Conference here.
Only three of the 11 work packages for the construction of the highway were behind schedule, including the Telok Melano-Sematan and the Bakun Junction-Nyabau stretches.
“The delays, however, were not critical,” said Fadillah, who is the new PBB senior vice-president.
On his new appointment in the party, Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya Member of Parliament, said he was thankful for the trust given by PBB president and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg and members in the party.
He said he would help Abang Johari, who is leading the move to get Sarawak to embrace digital ekonomi.
“I will use my experience when I was the Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister to realise this vision,” he said.