Batang Saribas 1 Bridge now open for public use

Uggah and other guests get ready to pop balloons to symbolically declare the bridge open.
KUCHING (May 25): The more than 60 year wait for a bridge to cross the Saribas River in Pusa is finally over with the completion of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge.
The public can now use the newly-completed 1.55 kilometre-long bridge after its soft opening today by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, also conveyed the latter's message that the bridge was now open for public use and that ferry service would cease operations.
He added the RM375.5 million bridge includes access roads at both ends, totalling 6.5 kilometres.
'With its completion, we are confident it would boost economic and social activities here, in Beladin and other areas in the Betong Division. W ealso hope it will bring in more development and progress,' said the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development.
According to Uggah, this bridge is the fifth to be completed out of the 16 bridges being built along the Sarawak Coastal Road.
'Those already completed are the Jepak, Marudi, Muara Lassa and Batang Rajang bridges, and others expected to be completed within this year are the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar 1, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh and Sejingkat bridges.
'Next year, we expect to deliver the Batang Paloh, Krian, Batang Lupar 2 and Batang Saribas 2 bridges,' he said.
He also said it was very exciting to watch these bridges take shape, as they would greatly reduce road travel time statewide.
Uggah cuts a ribbon as a symbolic gesture to declare the bridge open.
'For example, here in Pusa, if we are still depending on the ferry service, we have to wait for at least 30 minutes. Now, that is over.'
He added his ministry and the state Public Works Department (JKR) would continue to ensure all contractors complete their respective bridge projects as scheduled without compromising on the quality.
'This is to honour our promise to the rural folks. When we promise (something), it is incumbent upon us to deliver as scheduled, as the objective is solely to benefit them.
'When we can deliver, it is concrete proof we are not just making sweet promises or paying lip service as are the accusations from the opposition.'
Also present were Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam; Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu; Batang Lupar MP Mohd Shafizan Kipli; Betong Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor; Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau; and JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris.

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