By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 17: The ‘San Francisco bridge’ of Bintulu, a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Kuala Kemena River, is rapidly taking form and will soon become a reality.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored this milestone in affirming the Sarawak government’s commitment in fulfilling its promises to the people.
“Just now, I peered down from the airplane – soon the bridge here will be connected. Its design is a marvel to behold.
“Previously, I have mentioned that Bintulu will have a bridge similar to the San Francisco Bridge and today it can be seen,” he said when addressing the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering held at Naim Paragon Street Mall in Bintulu which was broadcast live via Ukas channels today.
Abang Johari emphasised that Bintulu will continue to be developed with modern infrastructure.
“Over the next five years, Bintulu will be busy (with activities) as the Samalaju area will be expanded to accommodate incoming investments,” he added.
The Bintulu-Jepak Bridge, bearing a resemblance to the iconic San Francisco Bridge, stands at approximately 75 per cent completion as of February this year.
Sarawak’s Public Works Department (JKR) director Datu Richard Tajan said, during a recent site visit, that the bridge will significantly shorten the route by 6.4km from Bintulu airport to Bintulu town, compared to the current 22km distance.
During his inspection, Richared witnessed the installation of the final stay cable at the bridge’s East Tower.
Anticipated to accelerate development in the Jepak area, the bridge will benefit around 250,000 locals and catalyse investment in Tanjung Kidurong and Samalaju Industrial Park.
The bridge’s features will include decorative lighting and a vertical lift on the Bintulu side for panoramic views.
Upon its projected completion around October 2024, it is poised to stand as Bintulu’s newest and most captivating landmark.
Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and BDA deputy chairman Dato Haidar Khan Asghar Khan were among those present at the event. — DayakDaily
