KAPIT, Sept 23: In response to the critical structural damage suffered by the Nanga Musah bridge near the Song area, alternative routes and temporary bridges will be promptly established within this month to ensure that affected residents are not isolated for an extended period.
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi provided this assurance during his visit to assess the situation on September 22, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
For a long-term resolution, Nanta said the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak has been tasked with identifying the root cause of the damage and determining the appropriate steps for bridge repair.
“We trust JKR’s expertise to identify the cause of the damage as it is not fair for us to make any assumptions before expert reports are available.
“It is a State road under the jurisdiction of JKR Sarawak, and as the Member of Parliament for Kapit, my responsibility is to facilitate its resolution,” he stated.
Nonetheless, Nanta pledged that his Ministry would provide support and prioritise addressing this issue.
Upon being alerted to this incident yesterday, Nanta had immediately contacted Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, as well as JKR Sarawak director Ir Ts Richard Tajan to initiate prompt action.
In the meantime, he hopes residents affected by this disaster would patiently wait for alternative roads and temporary bridges to be completed.
They are also advised to consider utilising alternative routes, such as logging roads or waterways, during this period.
Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, CIPM JKR Kapit Division engineer Ir Jawa Gara, and acting district officer Song Harry Bruce Edwin were among those present. — DayakDaily
