KUCHING, Nov 8: The construction of the new Bandar Lawas Bridge is expected to be completed in early 2025.
According to a press release, the RM150 million project, implemented by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) is currently undergoing piling and earth works with Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit as the contractor.
Once completed, the bridge with tower arches and suspension cables, and decorated with LED lights will reduce the travelling time crossing the Batang Lawas to go to Jalan Pulau Salam on the north and Kampung Ladang Baru on the south of Lawas town.
The project is one of 168 infrastructure projects under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) which has been allocated with RM1.5 billion by the Sarawak government to expedite infrastructure development in the Limbang and Lawas region.
The project launch was officiated at today by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the NRDA board chairman at the site in Lawas.
NRDA is one of three regional development agencies set up by the Sarawak government under the purview of Recoda.
The other two agencies are the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) and the Highland Development Agency (Hda).
Recoda chief executive officer (CEO) Datu Ismawi Ismuni in his brief remarks said the Bandar Lawas Bridge project which began on May 26 this year would involve the construction of the 642-metre long and 12.4-metre wide bridge which is equipped with four tower arches and suspension cables with LED lighting, including a 1.1km access road to the bridge.
Ismawi reiterated that Recoda would ensure the project is implemented on time and within its scopes and standards.
“We also hope the locals will give their full cooperation to us to ensure this project can be completed on time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said besides the Bandar Lawas Bridge project, NRDA is also in the midst of implementing several mega projects.
Construction of the new Lawas airport and the 86km-long Northern Coastal Highway is expected to start in the first and second quarter of next year respectively.
The Northern Coastal Highway, formerly known as Pan Borneo Highway Phase 2, will be a four-lane dual carriageway which covers Limbang and Lawas sections.
Awang Tengah said the petrochemical development project in Lawas would result in the construction of an integrated petrochemical refinery complex with an investment of US$5 billion that would help create job opportunities for the locals.
The State government, he said, is expediting the infrastructure development in order to develop the state economy that will eventually help to increase the income of the people. — DayakDaily
