By Lian Cheng and Christopher Bishop
SEBUYAU, March 23: There are no less than 11 massive bridges which will cost not more than RM4 billion to build in Sarawak.
These bridges, according to Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, comprise Batang Rambungan Bridge, Sejingkat Bridge, Sungai Krian Bridge, Batang Lupar Bridge 1, Batang Lupar Bridge 2, Batang Rajang Bridge, Batang Paloh Bridge, Muara Lassa Bridge, Batang Igan Bridge, Bintulu-Jepak Bridge and Batang Saribas Bridge.
He said, however expensive, the government must build them in order to provide connectivity to 65 per cent of the total population of Sarawak.
“The construction of bridges in Sarawak is determined by the geographical nature of our rivers. They are huge and flow from south to north, that is from the jungles in the interior to the South China Sea in the north. As these rivers reach the South China Sea, the terrain is flatter and the soil becomes very conducive for agriculture activities.
“This means it can support more people. Thus, more people are found in the lower reaches of our rivers. In fact, about 65 per cent of Sarawak’s population is located around these regions. Because of that, we need to build more roads within the lower regions of our rivers.
“These bridges are built with a construction cost of not more than RM4 billion. Ladies and gentlemen, build these we must, otherwise 65 per cent of Sarawak’s population will be deprived of this connectivity, if we wish to improve their livelihood and standard of living,” said Masing.
Masing who is also the Deputy Chief Minister said more roads mean more bridges need to be built where the rivers are at their widest. Their construction becomes a very expensive exercise for Sarawak unless the federal government is willing to assist.
Thus, the Sarawak government will apply to the federal government for reimbursement of expenses incurred in undertaking the construction of the Batang Lupar Bridge.
“We will use our own allocation first and then later apply for a refund from the federal government, according to our rights and needs.
“This is the proof that the Sarawak government, under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is a government that puts the focus and needs of the people first, and not just concentrates on political rhetoric,” said Masing during the earth-breaking ceremony for the Batang Lupar Bridge project today.
Meanwhile, he thanked all quarters for bring part of the Sarawak Dream and urged all to contribute towards making all Sarawakian villages, longhouses, towns and cities more accessible. — DayakDaily
