By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, May 25: The long-awaited 1.55km-long Batang Saribas 1 Bridge is now open to the public following its soft launch today.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who officiated at the ceremony on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said that the bridge, which costs RM375.5 million, also includes access roads at both ends totalling 6.5km.
“With its completion, we are confident it will boost economic and social activities here (Pusa), Beladin, and the other areas in the Betong Division.
“We hope it will bring in more development and progress,” said Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Sarawak.
He added that the bridge is the fifth to be completed out of the 16 planned along the Sarawak Coastal Road, with the other four being the Jepak, Marudi, Maura Lassa, and Batang Rajang—which has been renamed after the former Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Haji Othman—bridges.
Others expected to be completed within this year, he said, are the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar 1, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh, and Sejingkat bridges; whereas next year, the Batang Paloh, Krian, Batang Lupar 2, and Batang Saribas 2 bridges are scheduled for completion.
“It’s exciting to watch all these bridges taking shape. They are actually shrinking Sarawak as they will greatly reduce the travelling time by road Statewide.
“Like here in Pusa, if we are still depending on the ferry service, we have to wait for at least 30 minutes. Now that is over,” he said.
Uggah also added his ministry, and the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) would continue to impress upon all contractors to complete their respective bridge projects as scheduled and without compromising on the quality.
“We will constantly be monitoring them. This is in honour and commitment to our promises to the rural folks. When we promise, it is incumbent upon us to deliver as scheduled, as the objective is solely to benefit them.
“When we can deliver, it is concrete proof we are not just making sweet promises or paying lip service, as are the accusations from the opposition,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam; Betong MP, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu; Batang Lupar MP, Mohd Shafizan Kipli; Beting Maro assemblyman, Razaili Gapor; Kalaka assemblyman, Mohamad Duri; Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak permanent secretary, Datu Chiew Chee Yau; and Sarawak JKR director, Dr Cassidy Morris, were also present. — DayakDaily
