by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 22: The construction of the Batang Saribas Bridge is progressing well and is expected to be completed and open in time for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo says.
In a news report by TVS, he shared that the RM375.5 million bridge is now expected to be completed ahead of schedule, by March 2025, instead of the originally planned completion in May this year.
“This bridge may be completed earlier than expected, which was originally planned by May, and we hope it can be completed before Hari Raya to make it easier for users. Efforts are being made to at least open it before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“The construction status of the Batang Saribas Bridge is now ahead of schedule by two per cent (91.12 per cent), while the progress of the Batang Saribas Bridge 2 is also within the schedule, which is 51 per cent,” he told members of the press during the Final Batang Saribas Bridge Connection ceremony, today.
Aidel represented Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the event.
Although the progress of this project is as planned, Aidel said that the construction of the bridge faced various challenges.
“The land here is not very stable and has a depth of up to 80 metres. However, it can still be developed with the latest methods and contractor expertise,” he said.
The Batang Saribas Bridge is one of the important components of the Sarawak Coastal Road Project.
It is reported that this project involves the construction of a 1.55-kilometre long bridge with a two-lane road, a new road, as well as the upgrading of existing roads in both Pusa and Beladin areas.
The main aim of the project is to improve road connectivity in the area, replace the ferry service and shorten the journey between Pusa and Beladin from 30 minutes to just a few minutes.
The project also serves as an alternative route to Sarawak’s Pan Borneo Highway and is expected to improve access for local residents to schools, clinics, hospitals and government offices.
It is expected to stimulate economic development and emhance the standard of living of the local community. – DayakDaily
