LUNDU: Work to replace the eight bailey bridges, namely across Sungai Rayi, Sungai Belian, Sungai Loba Stoh 1, Sungai Loba Stoh 2, Sungai Muih, Sungai Sampa, Sungai Kuali and Sungai Chuping here is currently underway, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
He explained that the work was suspended for two months due to the movement control order (MCO).
The construction of the eight new bridges to replace these bailey bridges cost RM96 million, he added.
“These projects, which are fully funded by the state government, will enable to improve interconnectivity Kuching to Lundu and economic development in Lundu,” said Wan Junaidi during a visit to the Sungai Rambungan bridge project site at Sungai Rayu here on Sunday (June 28).
On the RM98 million Sungai Rambungan bridge project, Wan Junaidi said it was one of the bridge projects proposed by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government following Barisan Nasional (BN)government’s loss in the 14th general election in 2018.
“The project was initially a federal project under the then BN administration. It was approved in 2016 with a ceiling cost of RM150 million and was in the tender phase in 2018,” he added.
Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, said the eight new bridges to replace the bailey bridges and the Sungai Rambungan bridge were scheduled to be completed in November 2021.
Because of the MCO, the completion date had been extended for another three months.
The construction of the Sungai Rambungan bridge and the eight new bridges would ease the traffic woes at the ferry points at Sungai Rayu.
“Because of traffic congestion, sometimes it can take vehicle hours just to cross the river, especially during the festive season,” said Wan Junaidi.
