By Rezza Rahman
MUKAH: Waiting for a ferry at Batang Lassa Ferry Point is no fun. If you want to cross the river and arrive at the ferry point when the ferry is not operating, you have to spend the night in your car and wait until the next morning.
That is why residents in the area of Batang Lassa, Tanjung Manis, Mukah, Semop including Batang Paloh are excited about the construction of the Batang Lassa Bridge.
The three-kilometre, RM597 million bridge, which is scheduled to be completed by 2023, will replace the Batang Lassa ferry service from Daro to Pulau Bruit.
When the bridge is ready, travellers will not have to spend the night in their cars and wait for the next morning to cross Batang Lassa and reach their destinations on the other side of the river.
This is certainly a big relief for families with small children, as pointed out by Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad.
“Imagine the residents’ feelings. The bridge is a blessing to them. They do not have to wait in the car with their children until daylight.
“This bridge, when completed, will shorten the travel time by at least an hour,” he added.
According to Safiee, the Daro-Tanjung Manis-Sibu road connection currently relies on two ferry services, namely one at Batang Lassa and another at Batang Paloh.
He added during the festive season or peak season, ferry users had to wait up to three hours for the ferry service.
“So when residents hear that the Batang Lassa Bridge will be built, they are happy. The bridge will enable villagers to easily bring their agricultural produce to the surrounding areas,” said Safiee.
“When the bridge is completed, there is a huge potential for business opportunities. It will have a positive impact on the development of cottage industry,” he pointed out.
The bridge, Safiee said, would complement the coastal road and benefit 124,000 people living in Mukah Division.
“The implementation of the project proves that the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) strives to maximise development for the convenience and wellbeing of the people, including interior and rural areas,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Infrastructure and Ports Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi is excited about the impact and great benefits of the project on the people of Tanjung Manis and Mukah.
“The construction of the bridge proves the government’s commitment to bring development to the people,” he said.
Julaihi said besides developing the surrounding areas and areas along the coastal road, the bridge would enhance connectivity.
“It will not only benefit the public but also investors,” he pointed out.
Julaihi revealed that besides the Batang Lassa Bridge, the Batang Paloh Bridge would also be constructed.
The main contractor for the Batang Lassa Bridge is Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit Sdn Bhd.
