While the construction of the RM70 million Long Lama bridge has already started, residents in interior Baram in northern Sarawak hope the project’s progress would be fast-tracked.
“We have waited for this bridge for so many years,” said Kiput ethnic community elder Michael Ding.
“Now, we hope they will pick up the pace so that it can be completed soon.”
Notably, the building of the bridge’s support pillars and piling work have reached around 20 percent in terms of progress.
Promised by the Federal government during last year’s state elections, the Long Lama bridge would connect around 30,000 Baram residents to Miri as well as the outside world.
With the ferry service accommodating only around 10 vehicles per trip, the serious congestion at the ferry crossing has affected residents and business folk.
The congestion worsens during festivals and school holidays and could get especially bad when the festive rush coincides with school holidays – which see thousands of people commuting between Miri and Long Lama town as well as other interior settlements.
The long waiting queues could go by up to three hours at a time.
During last year’s May state elections, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visited Long Lama and said the bridge project was vital and should be completed fast.
“In the past, there were many rural projects such as roads and bridges that took years to get done,” he said.
“I hope this Long Lama bridge would not face the same situation where years of delay-plagued such projects.”
Image sourced from Star Metro.
This article was edited by the editorial team of PropertyGuru. To contact them about this or other stories email editorialteam@propertyguru.com.my
For the latest property news, trends, resources and expert opinions, visit our Property News section. Home buyers, sellers or property renters looking for Malaysian Properties, may like to visit the New Launches or Project Reviews page.
