PHOTO: MOHD ALIF NONI
KUCHING: The three federal projects approved by previous government, namely Batang Lupar Bridge, Rambungan Bridge and Igan Bridge are expected to receive continuous approval from the new federal government as per the previous one.
Assistant Minister for Coastal Road, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, when met by reporters at his Hari Raya open house at Petra Jaya here on Wednesday night said that the approval was important to ensure connectivity in rural areas.
“For example, the Batang Lupar bridge that is funded on a 50-50 basis by State and Federal governments, is the most strategic bridge along the coastal belt in the State.
“So we hope that the new Federal government will still consider the 50-50 approval as per the last one, because the bridge is important to us,” he stressed.
He explained that if the project was not approved, there would be a missing link and the State would have to find another way.
“During the recent festivities, road users have to wait in long queues for more than three hours to cross the river as it takes about 45 minutes by ferry,” he said adding that the flow of traffic was getting heavier as it was a coastal route.
Julaihi also said that the bridge would not only be used by the residents along the coastal route but also by those coming from the northern and southern parts of the State.
“So, if they use the coastal road, they have to use the Batang Lupar Bridge and we hope that the new Federal government will give its due consideration which concerns the needs of the people,” he added.
The Batang Lupar Bridge is estimated to cost RM1 billion while Rambungan Bridge and Igan Bridge are estimated to cost RM130 million and RM300 million respectively.
Earlier on, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Datin Patinggi Dato Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang attended the open house with former head of state Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah.
