Douglas: Lundu's Batang Rambungan Bridge to be Completed by End of 2026

(Kuching, 28th) Sarawak's Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, stated that the construction of Lundu's Batang Rambungan Bridge will be completed by the end of 2026, six months ahead of the originally planned 30-month construction period.

He mentioned that the Batang Rambungan Bridge, a dual carriageway bridge with a length of 560 meters costing RM82 million, was once considered a "sick" project. With the appointment of a rescue contractor, the work will be completed within two years.

“The rescue contractor has assured that the project will be finished within two years. If possible, they even hope to complete it in 18 months. This project has been delayed for too long, causing confusion among the public and even the elected representatives.”

He said other significant bridge projects, like the Batang Lupar Bridge and the Marudi Bridge, are progressing smoothly, but the progress of the Batang Rambungan Bridge in Lundu was once stalled.

He expressed full confidence in the experience of the rescue contractor and hoped they would complete the task successfully.

After inspecting the construction site of Lundu's Batang Rambungan Bridge today, Datuk Amar Douglas was interviewed and pointed out that they are closely monitoring the project's progress, including the 15 bridges under the coastal road and second trunk road project.

He stated that these projects are generally progressing well, although some works have been delayed due to weather conditions, which they are keeping a close eye on.

The bridge project's initial phase commenced in mid-December 2019, when the Sarawak government took over the construction plan interrupted by the Pakatan Harapan government's cancellation in 2018. The project was originally scheduled for completion in December 2022, later revised to June 2023.

“By that time, only 56% of the work had been completed, and further delays were caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last December, due to the previous contractor's failure to progress as per the Public Works Department's timeline, the government initiated a retendering process."

“With an experienced contractor at the helm, we are confident this long-delayed project will be smoothly completed within 24 months.”