KUCHING: Lundu folk are more than happy that Rambungan Bridge project is going to start after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has officiated at the earth-breaking ceremony today.
A local, Nurhazwani Has, 25, said once the bridge is completed, visitor arrivals in the area is expected to increase and this would bring socio-economic benefit to the local community.
She said at first, she was sad to hear that after the change of government, the current federal government decided to scrap the project, but she is thankful that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) meets the need of the people by taking over the project.
A Sematan man, Hafiz Jangsi, 24, said after the bridge had been built, the people need not wait a long time to take the ferry, but can reach Sematan from Kuching in a short time.
“Also, after that, I see Lundu becoming a major fishing spot,” he said.
As for Hibaitullah Hamdan, 25, also from Sematan, noted that the construction of bridges would be among the type of development projects which the GPS government would undertake to improve the life of the people.
“The importance of this bridge is that it will be a major convenience for road users,” he said.
Another Sematan man, Suadi Walbani, 45, said building the Rambungan Bridge would enable business people, especially those in Lundu area, to be more efficient as they could travel back and forth between Kuching and Lundu easily.
Hazizan Hakim, 30, from Lundu, said the bridge would enable more people to see the various attractions in his area.
“This is in line with Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu’s vision to transform Tanjong Datu into a main tourist spot,” he said.
He added that local products from Lundu could also be better known to visitors who travel using the new bridge.
A fellow Lundu resident, Umi Suriani Nahar, 25, said the bridge would definitely be beneficial especially for those who have been using the ferry service in Lundu daily.
“Sometime the ferry operates till midnight, and it can be dangerous for the passengers. The bridge would be much safer,” she said.
Jumahdi Sabian, 48, from Sematan, thanked the GPS government for the bridge and hoped more development would be implemented after the bridge is completed.
“We can promote Sempadi, Lundu and Sematan as favourite tourist destinations. When we have the bridge, the roads need be of good quality and wide,” he said.
An Iban from Lundu, Liana Batin, is very happy that Lundu is developing and she hoped that the people would continue to support GPS so that more development could be done in the near future.
“My hometown is in Lundu but I work in Kuching and it takes me a few hours to drive back on weekends to visit my family. So I am looking forward to the completion of the bridge,” she said.
