IGAN: The people here and those in Matu and Daro have every reason to glad as the once-cancelled Batang Igan Bridge project will be implemented soon.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the people requested for the project many years ago and the then Barisan Nasional (BN) government had made a plan to get it built.
“However, the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) government cancelled it, and the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had to step in to revive the project,” he said when officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony for Batang Igan Bridge at the bazaar here today.
The RM285 million 1,600m bridge, with a contract period of 42 months, will connect Igan-Oya with Matu-Daro.
Abang Johari, who is also Satok assemblyman, said within three years of becoming chief minister, four bridges are being implemented in Mukah division, namely, Batang Igan Bridge, Batang Lassa Bridge, Batang Paloh Bridge and Batang Rajang Bridge costing a total of RM300 million. Including other bridge projects the cost will amount to over RM1billion.
He added that the government also aimed to connect Kuching from Igan, so in Kuching, Rambungan Bridge was built. Then there is the Batang Lupar Bridge (soon to be built) crossing over to Batang Sarbas and Batang Krian up to Mukah and here, and from Mukah on to Bintulu over Batang Kemena.
He said all together there are nine batang with bridges which GPS took care of in the span of three years.
“This is the fact and Insya-allah (God willing) all the bridges will be completed by 2024, and no more using ferry, while all the bridges will be toll-free too,” he said.
He explained that people also requested for roads and after the election the government will implement them, provided GPS is returned to power.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Deputy Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Jemoreng assemblyman Dato’ Murshid diRaja Dr Juanda Jaya, Mukah Division Resident Hamdiah Bakir also attended the event.
