KAPIT: Plans are underway to establish alternative routes and construct a temporary bridge in view of the cracked and collapsed Sungai Musah bridge.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this is to prevent prolonged disruptions in connectivity for affected residents.
Nanta mentioned that upon receiving news of the incident, he promptly contacted Deputy Premier cum Second Minister of Finance and Economy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas as well as the State Public Works Department (PWD) director Ts Richard Tajan for immediate action.
“For long-term measures, I entrusted the state PWD to identify the cause of the damage and determine appropriate steps to repair the bridge.
“We have faith in the state PWD to identify the cause of the damage, and it would not be fair for us to make any assumptions before receiving a report from the experts on this matter.
“This road is a state road under the jurisdiction of the state PWD, and I, as the Member of Parliament for Kapit, am here to oversee it,” said Nanta, who is also the Kapit MP, during his visit to the site yesterday (Sept 22).
As such, he assured that the federal Works Ministry will also provide assistance and focus more on this issue.
In light of this, he conveyed hope that the residents affected by this disaster will patiently await the completion of the alternative road and temporary bridge.
They are also advised to temporarily use other alternative routes, such as logging roads or waterways, to exit the area.
Also present during the inspection were the Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, the Chief Inspector of Kapit PWD Ts Jawa Gara, Song’s Acting District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin and the Political Secretary to the federal Minister of Works Ambrose Abong Bugek.
