2 days ago
Kampung Selampit gets second fibre boat pending bridge completion
Billy (second left) performs the symbolic handing over of the boat.
KUCHING (Aug 16): Residents of Kampung Selampit have received a second fibre boat to facilitate their daily travel while awaiting the completion of a bridge to the village.
Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang symbolically handed over the boat to villagers in a brief ceremony yesterday at the Batang Kayan riverbank in Lundu.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Billy said the boat will complement the first unit provided earlier this year, ensuring the community can continue to travel safely and smoothly during the bridge's construction.
'We want Kampung Selampit residents to have safe and convenient transportation for daily needs, especially in education, healthcare and economic activities. This second boat completes the temporary facilities until the bridge is ready,' he said.
He added that the total cost for the two boats, including support equipment, was RM290,400 — a vital investment for the well-being and continuity of the local community.
'Safety is our priority, and we remind all users to operate the boats in accordance with the set rules,' he said.
On the Selampit Bridge project, he noted that construction of the bridge pillars has now reached the middle section, reflecting positive progress.
The Selampit Bridge project is a long-awaited infrastructure development in the Opar constituency.
The urgency for the bridge project has heightened, following a tragedy in August last year when three students died after the boat they were travelling on to get to school with 13 other students sank in Batang Kayan.
The incident was believed to have been caused by overloading.
It was reported the 200-metre-long and 6.5-metre-wide bridge was estimated to cost RM27.94 million.
Construction began in October last year and is expected to be completed within three years.
The project, implemented under the Sarawak government's jurisdiction, is spearheaded by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak
Meanwhile, those present at the boat handover were political secretaries to the premier Dato Peter Nyomek and Niponi Undek and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) special administrative officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik. Billy Sujang boat Kampung Selampit bridge lead travel
