PUSA: Sarawak continues to move forward in infrastructure development with the completion of the final extension works of the Batang Saribas Bridge.
This marks an important achievement in the Sarawak Government's efforts to strengthen the coastal road network.
This 1.55-kilometre bridge will be a major catalyst for economic and social progress for the local population, thus realising Sarawak's vision as a developed and competitive state.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo described the construction of this bridge as part of the state government's strategic strategy in strengthening the 896-kilometre coastal road network connecting Sampadi, Lundu to Miri.
He stressed that all major bridges in Sarawak, including the Batang Saribas Bridge, were built entirely with the Sarawak Government's allocation without assistance from the Federal Government.
"This is proof of the commitment of the Sarawak Government under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier which has succeeded in increasing the state's income by three times, enabling us to implement large-scale projects for the well-being of the people," he said.
He said this during the Batang Saribas Bridge Final Extension Ceremony on Wednesday.
He added that the state government is currently actively implementing integrated development through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) which aims to accelerate the economic growth of rural areas by providing high-quality infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) Director, Ir. Ts. Gs. Br. Dr. Cassidy Morris stressed that the final connection of this bridge marks a major success in the effort to develop a more efficient and safe Sarawak coastal road network.
“We are confident that this project can be completed earlier by March 2025, thus providing benefits to the residents earlier,” he said.
He added that this bridge will not only replace the existing ferry service, but will also shorten the travel time between Pusa and Beladin from 30 minutes to just a few minutes, providing comfort and convenience to more road users.
The Batang Saribas Bridge is expected to become the backbone of local economic development by providing better access to major towns, schools, clinics, hospitals and government offices.
With a contract value of RM375.5 million, the project has now reached 91.12 percent progress as of December 2024, with an initial target of completion in May 2025 after starting in June 2019.
With the slogan ‘We Build For You’, JKR Sarawak reiterates its commitment to building high-quality infrastructure for current and future generations.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Datu Chiew Chee Yaw, Beting Assemblyman Maro Razaili Gapor, Kalaka Assemblyman Mohamad Duri, Lingga Assemblyman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Batang Lupar Member of Parliament Mohammad Shafizan Kepli and Betong Division Resident Richard Michael Abunawas. - UKASnews
