Selampit Bridge project set for completion by March 2026, says Mas Gading MP

Borneo Post

a day ago

Mordi says physical progress as of December 2024 stood at 1.37 per cent, consisting of preliminary site clearing work. — Photo via Facebook/Mordi Bimol
KUCHING (May 30): The long-delayed Selampit Bridge project in Mas Gading is now scheduled for completion by March 3, 2026, said its MP Mordi Bimol.
In a Facebook post, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said the contractor, Empayar Setia Sdn Bhd, took possession of the site on Sept 4, 2024, following the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance on Aug 21, 2024.
The 18-month construction timeline is expected to culminate in the first quarter of 2026.
'Based on the latest updates, the project has officially begun and is targeted for completion by March 3, 2026,' Mordi said.
According to Mordi, physical progress as of December 2024 stood at 1.37 per cent, consisting of preliminary site clearing work.
The project, implemented under the Sarawak government's jurisdiction, is spearheaded by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.
He called on JKR Sarawak and the state government to ensure timely execution and to provide transparent updates to the public.
'I urge the Sarawak government and JKR to give a clear and comprehensive explanation to the public on the current status of this project,' he said.
'Any delays or uncertainty not only frustrate the people but may also undermine public confidence in implementing agencies,' he said.
The Selampit Bridge project was first approved in 2017 with an estimated cost of RM27.9 million.
It was originally scheduled for completion by 2022, but faced repeated delays mainly due to the State Planning Authority (SPA) rejecting the proposed site four times between 2018 and 2021.
Final site approval was granted on Sept 27, 2022, after which design works commenced on Oct 6, 2022, and were completed by Oct 2023.
Tender documentation was finalised in February 2024.
The project was approved under the second rolling plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) in 2018, and design work commenced along with efforts to secure additional funding.
In 2021, the federal government confirmed its commitment to continue the project under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
In 2022 and 2023, the new site alignment was approved, allowing the project to move forward.
Under Budget 2024, RM1.675 million was allocated for the bridge component.
In 2024, the project was tendered out, awarded to a contractor, and officially began construction in September.
However, a related challenge remains unresolved.
Mordi said the new bridge site lacks a connecting access road.
A 1.8km road, estimated at RM22 million, will be proposed under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in 2026.
To avoid further delays, the bridge and the access road will be implemented separately.
Mordi reiterated his commitment to ensuring the project is completed without further disruptions.
'I will continue to monitor, push, and raise the people's concerns at all levels to ensure this project is completed and delivers the long-awaited benefits to the residents,' he said. mas gading Mordi Bimol selampit bridge