BINTULU: Excitement among the local folks over the Kuala Tatau Bridge project, some 48km from here is growing bigger by the day as the deadline for its completion draws nearer.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulphilip who is also Jepak assemblyman, made a working visit to the site yesterday.
He was briefed at the site office by JKR Central Region Project Manager David Wong and JKR Bintulu Divisional Engineer Lau Pit Hwa. Later, Talib and entourage proceeded to meet the people at Kpg Seberang, Kuala Tatau.
The RM215m infrastructure project involving 11km of road between Kuala Serupai and Kuala Tatau as well as the Kuala Tatau Bridge is on track for completion by October this year.
“I believe those living in the surrounding areas will feel the spin-off effects of the bridge project.
“From the feedbacks of the people, they all want better road connectivity to improve their economic activities in the coastal area which is very active in planting oil palm and other cash crops.
“To me this is a good sign that economic development will improve rapidly once the roads are well linked,” said Talib.
“The road development project upon completion will be a vital communication link for the people and it will also provide an opportunity for them to develop their land for agricultural and commercial purposes,” he added.
Besides the 724m bridge spanning over the Tatau River, the project includes two smaller bridges at Sungai Serupai and Sungai Sigerut.
With the completion of the bridge, Kuala Tatau will be linked to Balingian and Mukah division.
Among those presents were Tatau District Officer Barayan Lenya, Bintulu District Officer Mataip Saya, heads of government departments and community leaders.
