31-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Solar street light project on East-West Highway to be completed by September
IPOH: A total of 385 solar-powered street lights, valued at RM3.32 million, are currently being installed along the East-West Highway (JRTB), which connects Gerik to Jeli, Kelantan.
The project is expected to be completed by September this year.
Perak Public Works Department director Ir Zamri Abu Kasim said nine contractors were appointed for the installation works, which began on June 23.
"The installations cover the following sections: Section 83.74 to 98.54 (42 units); Section 98.54 to 113 (42 units); Section 113 to 127 (58 units); Section 127 to 141.50 (58 units); Section 141.50 to 147 (42 units); Section 147 to 151 (33 units); Section 151 to 174.80 (55 units); and Section 174.80 to 198.60 (55 units)," he said today.
Zamri added that as of July 23, the work progress stood between 25 and 50 per cent.
"Among the ongoing tasks are site plotting and concrete foundation placement before the solar lamps are installed," he said.
In addition to installing the solar lamps, contractors are also carrying out maintenance work on a faulty traffic light at Section 120.40.
"The contractor is awaiting delivery of materials from the supplier before beginning on-site work. Re-measurement and site inspection are also being conducted," he said.
On June 10, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government allocated RM60 million in 2023 to implement various initiatives to enhance the Gerik–Jeli route, particularly along the FT04 federal road.
He added that in August of the same year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM30 million allocation to further upgrade the route, including repairs to road furniture, bridges, street lights, and traffic lights.
He said this in response to concerns raised over the condition of the FT04 route, where a fatal accident claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9.
