MIRI: More than 3,000 people from Telang Usan surrounding areas in Baram are expected to converge at Long Lama town to welcome Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who will declare Long Lama Bridge open tomorrow.
The bridge was funded by the state government and has since changed the landscape of Telang Usan, bringing so much relief to the people of Baram, in particular the thousands who travel to Long Lama, Tutoh Apoh, Limbang and beyond.
Up till last April, travellers had to bear the long wait and controlled movement in and out of Long Lama as they have to rely on a ferry to cross the river.
“The worst is during medical emergencies when families of patients must pay dearly to get the ferry to operate beyond its normal operating hours, that is, after 9pm. I had to cover most of the costs in emergency situations,” said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
But today, thank God, with the initiatives of the state government, all these are things of the past, he said.
Various activities have been lined up by the organising committee chaired by Dennis to create a festival-like atmosphere during the opening ceremony.
These include a 6-km Long Lama Bridge fun run starting at 6am on the same day as the ceremony.
There will be a concert on the night of August 7 at SJK C Kee Tee Hall starting from 7pm. A popular artiste, Jolly Jengan, will take to the stage.
The official opening will be on Aug 8 at SJK C Kee Tee Hall starting at 9am with entertainment by another popular artiste, Rosiana Urei. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari is scheduled to arrive at 10am.
An exhibition of photos of the bridge project will also be held at the same venue. A group of young Malaysian volunteers who undertook and complete the Long Puak water gravity feed system project will exhibit photos of the project and show a video that captured the whole progress from start to finish.
Other state leaders expected to accompany the chief minister are deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Emba and Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
