NEW WONDER: Shaziman looking at the locality plan of Batang Sadong Bridge in Kampung Buloh. — Photo by Tan Song Wei
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Construction of the longest bridge in the state and a bridge linking Brunei to Limbang will start next month.
The Batang Sadong Bridge at Kampung Buloh here spanning 1,480 metres across the mighty Sadong will connect the Asajaya and Simunjan districts.
The over RM211 million project has been awarded to KACC Construction Sdn Bhd. and is scheduled to be completed in four years.
During a site visit here yesterday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor said Batang Sadong Bridge would be the longest in the state.
“The project is expected to be completed by July 2016. Batang Sadong Bridge will not only link the two districts but also improve economic activities in the region. Currently, the ferry operation here registers a traffic volume of about 50,000 vehicles monthly,” he told the press in Kampung Buloh, about two hours ride from Kuching.
Shaziman said the project was approved by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak right after the prime minister’s walkabout in the state recently.
“The request was put forward by Batang Sadong MP Nancy Sukri and Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo in April 2011.
“The prime minister came to see for himself during his walkabout and he agreed to build the bridge.”
On the proposed Pandaruan Bridge, Shaziman said the project, valued at RM21 million, would be completed by August 2013.
“The bridge will be about 200 metres long, with a width of 12 metres. Although the cost is not high, the project is important as it connects Sarawak to Brunei.”
Asked how many bridges had been approved for the state, he said the two new projects could be the only bridge-building works in the state for the year.
“So far, I think these are the two new bridge projects for Sarawak. If there is more, we will inform and give more information later.”