KUCHING: Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged for related works of the RM160 million Batu Kawa Second Bridge and New Access Road project to be expedited so that development can be constructed as soon as possible.
 
According to him, the next step is to actively handle land acquisition and project tender matters now that the land survey work has been completed.
 
In this regard, he praised the Land and Survey Department for the swift work in completing an important milestone for the project.
 
“Due to the rapid development of Batu Kawa, there has been a significant increase in both population and traffic, leading to frequent jams along Jalan Batu Kawa and Datuk Chong Kiun Kong Bridge.
 
“This massive and significant development project will cost RM160 million, covering the construction of a second Batu Kawa Bridge over Sungai Sarawak and a new dual carriageway road with a total length of over 5 kilometres. Both will help to alleviate current ongoing traffic issues,” he said in a statement issued today.
 
Datuk Amar Dr Sim reiterated that since elected as the Batu Kawa Assemblyman in 2016, he has placed his focus on addressing the traffic congestion issue by constructing new roads to disperse traffic flow.
 
He added, numerous new access roads have been completed in recent years including Jalan Tan Sri Wee Boon ping which connects Jalan Stephen Yong to 4 and 1/2 miles, the new access road from Kampung Segedup to Jalan Sungai Maong and Matang, as well as the Kwang Tiong Garden alternative access road.
 
“All the new roads have assisted to ease the traffic congestion. Additionally, a new access road to Jalan Ensing Timur from Jalan DatuK Tan Men Chong/Jalan Stapok Utama Junction, Batu Kawa is currently under construction,” he said.
 
He also pointed out that a 3-kilometre link road from the traffic lights of Jalan Stephen Yong through Kampung Segedup to Matang will also be constructed soon.
 
“All these new roads have been funded by the Sarawak government. However, all road taxes are collected by the Federal government.
 
“Hence, I urge all Sarawak Members of Parliament to fight for more Federal funded road development projects to address traffic congestions across Sarawak,” he said. -UKASnews