KUCHING: The state government will go it alone and build three bridges, one each across Batang Lupar, Batang Rambungan and Batang Igan now that the federal government said it has no money to build them.
Works Minister Baru Bian announced in Mukah recently that these projects had to be shelved due to financial constraints.
His announcement drew flaks from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives, who challenged him to fight for Sarawak as the state needed financial support to build its infrastructure.
The DayakDaily news portal was quoted as having reported that the state government would keep its promise to build the bridges that had been approved by the previous federal government but are shunned by the present federal government.
“The state government will continue those projects as promised in the state budget (2019) to improve rural connectivity. The people’s needs are a priority of the Sarawak government. We will do it,” the report stated.
During Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s 2019 state budget speech last Nov 5, he said Sarawak would invest in more infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and jetties.
For their implementation, Johari announced that RM1.105 billion had been set aside.
Abang Johari pointed out that the state would also build bridges over Muara Lassa in Mukah and over Kemena River in Bintulu.
