Speed up bridge project at Kampung Sikog, developer urged

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KUCHING: The developer undertaking the construction of the proposed bridge at Kampung Sikog near here has been urged to speed up their work as the project has been delayed for far too long.

Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the long delay was causing great inconvenience to residents and also, the site was very unsightly for visitors.

Speaking to thesundaypost when opening a programme organised by Islam Community Welfare pro tem committee at the village yesterday, Dr Jerip, who is Bengoh assemblyman, said the project should not be delayed for too long because the concrete that the contractor had planted as footing would loosen, which could lead to some defects in the construction.

“From what I know, this project had been awarded some years ago and by right, it should have been completed by now. It is not a really long bridge though…I believe it is only about 20 feet (6m) in length, or probably less than that.

“So my call on the contractor is to resume the work now for the project has been delayed for far too long,” he added.

At the site, very little work had been carried out except for the piling, as well as concrete work at the footing. At the moment, villagers have to make use of a temporary wooden bridge which also required constant repair due to damages caused by heavy trucks.The contractor for the project is Titanum Project Management Sdn Bhd.

Meanwhile, in his speech when opening the event at Kampung Sikog, Dr Jerip said one thing about the Bidayuhs was that they never had any problem living and staying together with people of different religions and beliefs.

“This is the value that we in Sarawak should preserve so that we can forever live in peace and harmony. This is very important because only if we can understand each other better then we can prevent conflicts among us,” he urged.

Dr Jerip said he for one would always fully and continue to support any programme that aimed to foster greater relationship among the various communities from different religious and racial background.

Among those present at the occasion yesterday were Siburan senior administration officer Ranum Beri, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) secretary Andrew Joris and event organising chairman Mohamad Irwan Shah Thomas Abdullah.