BETONG: The state government may have plans to get back those projects that were cancelled by the previous federal government.
One of the projects is Batang Lupar Bridge which would have been built by the federal and state governments on a 50-50 basis.
Assistant Minister of Infrastructure & Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi pointed spoke on this during his visit to Sungai Krian bridge construction site near here, yesterday.
“We have the right to get funds from the federal government, so the Barisan Nasional (BN) federal administration agreed to build the Batang Lupar Bridge. However, after the change of government in May 2018, Pakatan Harapan cancelled the project,” he said.
Therefore, he greatly hoped that the new federal administration would get on with the development of the state.
Julaihi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman, said the tender for the 5.1-km-long bridge would be opened in the first quarter of this year.
“The RM1-billion bridge is now fully funded by the state government and it is still being designed. As for the roads (on both sides of the bridge), they are now being built,” he said.
In the next five years, he said, Betong Division would have three new bridges – Batang Saribas Bridge, Sungai Krian Bridge and Muara Batang Saribas Bridge.
Work on the field sites at Batang Saribas and Sungai Krian have begun.
“Eight percent of the 690m Sungai Krian Bridge, which is expected to be completed within 36 months, has been carried out. The earth-breaking ceremony is expected to be performed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on April 4.
“Clearing works are currently under way at the Batang Saribas Bridge site. This is expected to be ready within 48 months while the tender for the Muara Batang Saribas Bridge (built specifically for the second trunk road) will be opened later this year,” Julaihi said.
Also present during the visit were Kabong assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir and Saribas assemblyman Mohd Razi Sitam.
