MUKAH: While many people living along the state’s coastal roads are elated with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari’s announcement Thursday on the resumption of construction works on several bridges statewide, residents of Matu and Daro districts here feel ‘cut off’ because their areas are yet to be connected by a bridge.
The residents in the two districts still rely on ferry service to cross Batang Igan, almost one kilometre wide in order to go to Igan, Dalat, Oya and Mukah.
Likewise, people from Mukah, Oya, Dalat and Igan also use ferry whenever they want to go to Matu or Daro.
It could not be ascertained whether the proposed Batang Igan Bridge was included in the package announced by the chief minister.
It is learned that former Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie did propose for the construction of Batang Igan Bridge.
He even raised the matter in the State Legislative Assembly sitting during his tenure as a people’s representative.
The political secretary to the chief minister said he did not have up-to-date information about the proposal.
“Not in the know Sir at this time. (It) will be built, but when it will commence, not sure,” he told New Sarawak Tribune via Whatsapp on Friday.
On Thursday Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said all bridge projects were expected to be completed by 2024.
He said this to reporters after his walkabout at the construction site of Batang Saribas Bridge and Sungai Krian Bridge in Betong Division.
People in Mukah Division particularly in Matu and Daro districts hoped that the construction of Batang Igan Bridge would be expedited.
Some people considered the Batang Igan Bridge as the missing link in the Central Region of Sarawak.
