By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Aug 6: The much-awaited Long Lama Bridge will be officially launched this Thursday (Aug 8) by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The 573-metre double lane bridge, built at a cost of RM67 million, was fully funded by the state government. The construction was completed in early April this year.
“A crowd of more than 3,000 from Telang Usan and Ulu Baram are expected to converge at Long Lama town to welcome the chief minister and witness the opening ceremony of the Long Lama Bridge.
“The bridge, a fully funded project by the state, will change the landscape of Telang Usan and bring much relief to the people of Baram, particularly those who travels to long lama, Apoh, Tutoh, Limbang and regions beyond,” Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau told reporters after chairing a meeting on the event here, today.
Prior to the building of the bridge, the people had to rely on ferry services to travel to Long Lama and other areas upstream.
“Worst is when we need to send a person needing serious medical treatment and they would need to pay a hefty sum to get the ferry to operate beyond the operating hours after 9pm.
“I have to cover most of this cost in emergency situation but all this will be a thing of the past,” he continued.
An array of activities have been lined up to commemorate the launching event including a 6km Long Lama Bridge Run at 6am on the same day.
On the eve of the opening ceremony, a concert will be held at SJK Kee Tee Hall at 7pm, featuring local artists including Jolly Jengan.
Popular singer Rosiana Urei will entertain the crowd before the opening ceremony at the same venue at 9am. Abang Johari is scheduled to arrive at 10am.
“There will also be a photo exhibition on the bridge project.
“A group youth volunteers who undertook and completed the Long Puak water gravity feed system project will exhibit photos of their project and share a video capturing the whole duration of the project implementation,” Dennis said. — DayakDaily
