BATANG IGAN BRIDGE READY TO OPEN ON MARCH 15 - UGGAH

MUKAH, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The Batang Igan Bridge will be opened to the public on March 15, just days ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, ending the local community’s long-standing reliance on ferry services to cross the Batang Igan.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the bridge marks a historic milestone for residents in the area, as it is expected to become a major catalyst for socio-economic development, improved access to education and healthcare services, as well as better connectivity for communities in Mukah, particularly around Jemoreng and Batang Igan.

“Previously, crossing the Batang Igan by ferry took almost half an hour. Now, it will only take about one minute. This will certainly bring a significant change to the daily lives of the people,” he told reporters after officiating the Batang Igan Bridge Stitching Ceremony in Igan today.

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Uggah, who is also State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said the Batang Igan Bridge project was initially proposed to be funded by the Federal Government, but was later taken over by the Sarawak state Government to ensure timely implementation.

“Last year, eight bridges were completed in Sarawak, and this year we expect another nine bridges to be completed, including the Batang Igan Bridge,” he said.

The 1,439.40-metre-long bridge was constructed in accordance with JKR R5 standards and features a dual carriageway.

The total project cost amounted to RM285.54 million, including the construction of approach roads on both sides of the bridge.

With the completion of the bridge, ferry services in the area will be discontinued, and the ferry will be relocated to other areas that still require such services.

Uggah added that infrastructure projects of this scale not only facilitate mobility for the people but also open up opportunities for local economic growth and improve the well-being of rural communities.

-- BERNAMA