SADONG JAYA: The construction of Batang Sadong Bridge is expected to be fully completed by Oct 4.
This was disclosed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri, who pointed out that the construction of the bridge, the longest bridge to cross a river in Malaysia, was 98.52 per cent completed, ahead of its schedule.
“We are very satisfied that the construction of this bridge has run smoothly due to the great cooperation by those involved and right now, construction is ahead by 4.58 per cent than what we targeted earlier which was 94 per cent,” she told reporters when met after officiating a symbolic ceremony to connect the ‘girder’ at the project site at Kampung Sungai Buluh here yesterday.
She added that currently workers were fine-tuning several parts of the 1.48km bridge before it is expected to be open for use by the public in October.
Nancy, who is also Batang Sadong MP, said with the completion of the RM211.3 million Batang Satong Bridge, the people who have been using the ferry to cross the river will no longer face such inconvenience.
She also pointed out that the bridge shortens the journey from Kuching to Sibu by two and a half hours from the eight-hour journey at present.
The Batang Sadong Bridge was approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2011 during his visit to Batang Sadong constituency then.
“I am very thankful to the Prime Minister for approving this project which has long been awaited by the people of this constituency. I am also grateful to the Public Works Department for their efforts in making sure that this project is completed on schedule,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo who was also present expressed his gratitude to the government for approving the project that will no doubt benefit the rakyat in his constituency.
“The patience of the people waiting for the implementation of this project is much appreciated,” he said, adding that the project was proof that the government kept its promises to the people.