KUCHING: Eight bridges in Betong swept away during the recent flood will be reconstructed immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang said the federal government has approved allocations to reconstruct bridges at Nanga Tiga, Nanga Linsum, Batu Lintang, Meribong, Rian Batang, Penom, Nanga Jelau and Batu Genting St Mark.
Jabu, who is also Layar assemblyman, said he is in discussions with the Public Works Department (JKR) on the bridge designs, which would raise them by at least six feet from the present level.
“I have made a recommendation to the federal government, which agreed and immediately approved the replacement of all the eight bridges washed away by the recent flood.
“We have discussed with JKR on the design of the bridges, which will be raised by six feet from their present level as a future contingency so that the bridges will not be flooded,” he told reporters during a visit to the Heroes Grave at Jalan Budaya yesterday.
He was inspecting the on-going beautification work at the memorial park, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Jabu said another eight bridges in Baram damaged by flooding would also be reconstructed.
Outboard engines and fibreglass boats, he said, have been sent to flood-hit areas and are expected to be delivered by the end of the week.
On the foundation of Rumah Anji, which was eroded by flood waters, Jabu said the state is working out land clearing details to stabilise the 22-door longhouse at Mupoh Baroh, adding assistance from the army could be a possibility.
“We agree that the work should be done as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have provided allocation for the 22 families,” he said.