KOTA KINABALU: There should no longer be any delays in completing the Tawau Hospital upgrading project, which was far behind schedule from its original date in 2020, following assurance from the Works Ministry side.

       Tawau Member of Parliament Datuk Christina Liew (pic) welcomed Deputy Works Minister Datuk Arthur Kurup’s recent statement that the upgrading project would be completed by year-end, and hoped the contractor involved will be serious in achieving this target.

       "The project which started in 2017, was supposed to have been completed by May 2020 at a cost of about RM210 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

       "With a further extension of time given, there should be no more delays after this visit by Arthur, following the visit by the Health Minister in September last year.

       "The contractor has to expedite implementation of the project without any more excuses related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "We hope the contractor will take a serious view of the matter, and pay heed to the need to achieve the work progress target set, which is about 4% every month," she said on Friday (April 29).

       She said the media reports have previously mentioned that the upgrading works were only 69% completed as of January 31, and 70% completed as of March 31.

       Arthur in his recent visit to the district hospital upgrading site, has assured that his ministry would ensure the project was completed on time, where the Public Works Department will evaluate the contractor’s performance on a weekly basis.