By Nur Ashikin Louis
BAU, May 18: There is no immediate need for the wooden suspension bridge in Kampung Barieng, Singai here to be upgraded since an iron bridge has already been built nearby.
A spokesperson from the Kampung Barieng village development and security committee (JKKK) told DayakDaily that while the villagers would love to see more development in their area, they had to be realistic in asking for the moon.
“The wooden suspension bridge has been around for some time. It is mainly used by the villagers to cross Sungai Adis to go to their respective orchards.
“However, an iron bridge has already been built by the government about three street lamps away as an alternative and safer route for the villagers,” he said.
For the record, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep in 2018, had channeled about RM400,000 from his Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation for the construction of the new bridge.
The spokesperson further said despite the existence of the new bridge, many villagers prefer to use the old wooden bridge to this day because it is still in good condition and nearer to some of their orchards.
“The way we see it, it would have been nice to have the wooden bridge improved so that it could become a tourist attraction in the future especially when the route is usable for visitors who wish to go hiking.
“Apart from that, there is also Tagang Project which is the breeding of various species of freshwater fish being implemented in the area. We believe this is a potential tourism product,” he added.
Earlier today, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) reported that there are certain quarters who proposed for the wooden suspension bridge to be upgraded to attract tourists to the village. — DayakDaily
