By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 21: The groundbreaking ceremony of the Sungai Sarawak-Sejingkat Bridge and Second Kuching-Samarahan Trunk Road is not candy to lure voters in light of the coming 12th Sarawak Election (PRN12).
Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi took note that certain quarters would have such thoughts, especially since the ceremony is conducted at the time when the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has been dissolved.
“For me, it is not like that because the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sungai Sarawak-Sejingkat Bridge and the two roads in Samarahan is part of the series of bridges officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg since April 2019.
“This (series) marks the start of construction of bridges and roads in coastal areas because the projects are very important for the rural people especially those residing in coastal areas so that they can have connectivity with Kuching city and Samarahan, as well as other parts in Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the project site in Demak today.
Julaihi, who is also Sebuyau incumbent, said Sarawak currently has over 6,000 settlement areas scattered throughout the state and these areas need to be connected with roads and bridges.
“For that reason, the Sarawak government led by Abang Johari has taken brave steps by taking over bridge projects which have been cancelled by the Pakatan Harapan government, using the state’s own budget for the benefit of Sarawakians,” he added.
Following that, he pointed out that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains the best option for Sarawakians because it knows how to administer the state’s development.
“Therefore, if people are saying that the groundbreaking ceremony is only a gimmick, it is not. The contractors have started works at the site and the construction of other bridges and roads are already ongoing using the state’s own budget, it’s not cheap talk,” he emphasised.
The whole project which costs over RM485 million is expected to reach completion by Jan 6, 2025.
The Sejingkat Bridge and Second Kuching-Samarahan Trunk Road Project developed by the Sarawak government aims to provide alternative routes for Kuching and Samarahan residents to overcome road congestion on the existing Kuching-Samarahan Expressway especially during peak hours. — DayakDaily
