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Long Lama folks want bridge named after Tok Nan

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Dennis (centre) during the soft opening of the bridge in Long Lama yesterday.

MIRI: Folks in Long Lama near here are proposing that a bridge be named after the late Tan Sri Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.

Adenan or known to all as Tok Nan was Sarawak’s fifth Chief Minister, and he passed away at the age of 72 in January, 2017.

“We would like this bridge to be named after the late Tok Nan because if it wasn’t for him, it would not have been constructed,” said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.

The bridge, spanning 573m across the Baram river, had its soft opening yesterday in Long Lama, with over 500 people in attendance.

Dennis (centre) during the soft opening of the bridge in Long Lama yesterday.

Constructed at a cost of RM67,109,453.37, it was fully funded by the Sarawak government and work began in 2016.

With this bridge Long Lama will be about one hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Miri city.

Prior to its completion, folks not only from Long Lama but from Apoh and Tutoh areas as well depended totally on ferry services since 2002 to cross the river daily.

Years before the ferry services, Long Lama, Apuh and Tutoh folks used boats or sampan to get across.

“This bridge will definitely make their travel much easier compared to the old days,” Dennis said during the soft opening.

He also revealed that the launch proper would be sometime in June, and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate.

“Today, we made history. We are witnessing a new landmark for our town (Long Lama), and I foresee the bridge as a tool to help further propel our socio-economy here,” Dennis said.

Dennis (second left) greeting road users after the soft opening of the bridge.

He said Long Lama had high potential in the agriculture sector.

“There are some suggestions to grow coffee beans and ‘Tongkat Ali’ within this area and I strongly believe, with this bridge, it will accelerate the sector in future,” he said, adding that the government had approved the construction of a collection, processing and packaging centre (CPPC) in Long Lama.

Also present were political secretaries to the Chief Minister, Charles Balan Seling, Robert Ayu, Temengong Elizabeth Ding, Telang Usan district officer Baru Tai and local community leaders.

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