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Ongoing Btg Rambungan bridge project to signal end of Kuching's reliance on ferry service
Aidel (front, centre) being briefed on the Rambungan Bridge works updates during the visit to the project site.
KUCHING (June 10): Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Ports Development Sarawak Datuk Aidel Lariwoo looks forward to seeing Kuching Division no longer relying on ferry crossings once the Batang Rambungan Bridge has reached completion.
According to the Sadong Jaya assemblyman, the project is progressing well and is currently ahead of schedule, having currently achieved 5.84 per cent in progress rate – up from 3.76 per cent recorded last month.
'This means it is ahead by 2.08 per cent.
'We hope the contractor would maintain this momentum so that the project could be completed faster than scheduled,' he told reporters when met during his working visit to the bridge construction site yesterday.
The Batang Rambungan Bridge is regarded as among the most critical components along the coastal road network spanning from Sampadi to Lundu and once it reaches completion, it will replace the existing ferry service – the last remaining ferry crossing in Kuching Division.
Adding on, Aidil said the previous contractor had been replaced and the project was re-tendered via an open process, leading to a slight increase in cost due to updated market rates.
'The new contract is valued at RM82 million, (with works spanning) over a 30-month duration, but I am confident that the project could be completed earlier, similar to the Batang Marudi Bridge, which was finished nine months ahead of schedule.
'Efforts are being made to push the contractor to complete key components of the bridge, particularly the two main towers, ahead of the July deadline next year.
'Once those are completed, the remaining works should become much easier,' he said.
The state deputy minister also revealed that there had been a noticeable increase in manpower and machinery on site, with the arrival of new tower cranes.
'This shows the contractor's strong commitment.'
Aidel also shared with the reporters that upon the bridge's completion, the ferry service would be terminated automatically.
However, he added: 'While ferries retired from other locations have been redeployed (to other sites) such as to Batang Paloh and Batang Igan, no decision has been made yet regarding the ferry currently operating at Batang Rambungan.'
Moreover, Aidil said in line with the bridge development, plans were underway to upgrade the connecting roads, including a future two-lane stretch from the end of the Federal Authority Centre (FAC) road to the upcoming i-CATS University College campus in Trombol.
He pointed out: 'Although the upgrade from the FAC road to the bridge has not started, it will likely follow once the bridge is completed, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the standards of the coastal roads across Sarawak.
'This is one of the last remaining major infrastructure projects in Kuching under the coastal road network.
'With the support of agencies like JKR (Public Works Department), the Resident's Office, and District Office, we are committed to seeing it reach completion smoothly.' aidel lariwoo Batang Rambungan Bridge development project infrastructure
