By Alwin Lawrence & Rahimi Rahim
DARO: The completion of Muara Lassa Bridge in 2023 will boost the socio-economic condition of the local people and solve their ongoing water supply problem.
In stating these points Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the RM600-million bridge has the potential to trigger further development of local agriculture and fisheries.
“We will also build Paloh Bridge which will link Pulau Bruit to Tanjung Manis,” he told a press conference here after the ground breaking ceremony for the bridge, yesterday.
He said the bridge — the second longest bridge in Sarawak after the Batang Lupar Bridge — would link the coastal road which is the main link to Mukah, Daro, and surrounding areas.
The bridge can also be used to support water pipes for Tanjung Manis, Pulau Bruit and Daro, at least for the next five years.
“For Daro, water from Sibu can be piped via this bridge so we no longer need to lay water pipes in the sea which are too expensive and risk being damaged by the frequent tides.
“We will be reviewing the State Water Grid system — our second largest water supply project — and look for sources of water especially in the affected areas.
“For the short term, we will use boosters to get water to reach the affected areas and for the long term we wait for the completion of the bridge in 2023 to connect the grid,” he said.
