Mempikit River bridge in dire need of repair

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KENINGAU: There is a need for drastic action to repair a wooden bridge over the Mempikit River at Kampung Mile 27 here, Liawan Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) chief Datuk Jake Jikulin Nointin said yesterday.

He said the bridge structure would not last long and it needed immediate repair for the convenience of villagers to market their farm produce.

“I understand that the road and bridge are under the Keningau District Council which has granted concessionary rights to Kekal Mewah.

“And I ask that this matter be taken seriously before anything untoward happens,” he told to The Borneo Post after visiting the bridge together with Liawan PBS deputy chief Zachary Kinsik, Keningau Umno Committee member Anuar Datuk Ayub, Liawan PBS information officer James Stephen, Kapitan Lee Tet Soon and villagers.

Jake said he was told that the bridge was also used as the main route for trucks transporting oil palm fruits of more than 10 tonnes.

He added that this cannot be allowed because it would damage the bridge’s maximum allowable limit is four tonnes.

The District Council should provide a barrier to prevent trucks exceeding the allowable weight limit from passing through, he said.

Jake suggested that the government appoint a consultant to conduct a study on the Mempikit and Ulu Kauran rivers that often get flooded, causing damage to properties of thousands of people living along the river banks especially residents of Banjar, Kauran, Mempikit, Ulu Patikang villages and the surrounding areas.

“It is necessary for a long-term safety of villagers and their properties in flood-prone areas,” he said, adding that there is also a need for embankment, to straighten and deepen the river.