KUCHING: Ten out of 11 work packages carried out by Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd (LBU) - the project delivery partner (PDP) for the Pan Borneo Highway project - are currently ahead of schedule.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said based on the schedule, these work packages - initially estimated to achieve 4.33 percent completion stage by now - have reached 7.53 percent.

Only the Telok Melano-Kuching work package was slightly behind schedule, he pointed out, due to land issues. However, he said the matter had been resolved.

"We are closely monitoring and focusing on this project and LBU has also taken actions to ensure that the works would reach completion on schedule. Nevertheless, I am happy to note that the implementation of 10 work packages is ahead of schedule" he told reporters during a surprise inspection on a project site at Mile 15 of Jalan Kuching-Serian near here yesterday.

In this project, Fadillah said the construction and upgrading work on the 8km stretch from Mile 10 to Mile 15 should reach completion by April next year.

"This project should have reached 75 percent completion by now, but there were some delays caused by challenges to relocating some utilities, as well as technical issues.

"However, these problems can be solved - we have instructed the contractors to find ways to speed up the construction works on the road and if no other issues crop up, the road could be completed by next April" he remarked.

During the visit, Fadillah also cautioned the contractors to ensure that all traffic management programmes must be fully complied with so as to avoid posing danger to others, as well as to provide comfort to road users during the construction period.

"Apart from traffic management, my ministry also received some complaints regarding flash floods caused by clogged water flow due to construction.

"Following this, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) would be looking at ways to solve this issue from recurring.”

Meanwhile, Fadillah also took the opportunity to visit the construction site of Batang Samarahan Bridge in Kota Samarahan to see for himself the progress of the 774m structure - estimated to cost RM93 million.

"Based on the report I've received, this project is currently running smoothly. My visit here is just for the ministry's officers and I to see for ourselves the progress of this project" he said.

Also present were Works Ministry secretary-general Dato Zohari Akob, as well as officers and engineers from the ministry and the state Public Works Department (JKR).