Sungai Paku Bridge Accelerates Mobility, Supports Betong's Development
SPAOH: The construction project of the RM36.9 million Sungai Paku Bridge is expected to accelerate mobility between Betong and Spaoh by up to 30 minutes, thereby strengthening the transportation network to support the execution of various strategic development projects and spur economic growth in the Betong Division.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the steel arch bridge structure will serve as a main connector between Spaoh, Betong, and Sri Aman, besides completing the infrastructure network required to support regional development.
According to him, the facility will provide access to several high-impact projects currently being developed, including the Short Take-off and Landing Airport (STOLport), a 700-hectare Agropark, the Collecting, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), and padi cultivation projects under the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD).
“This bridge plays a crucial role in supporting and facilitating movement in an area rich with various mega development projects,” he said.
He said this at the Pre-Launch Ceremony of the Sungai Paku Bridge on Friday.
He added that the network of bridges developed by the Sarawak Government will strengthen logistics connectivity from Sri Aman to Sarikei, thereby smoothing the movement of goods, agricultural produce, and boosting the potential of the tourism sector as well as regional economic activities.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also urged the community, especially small entrepreneurs, handicraft makers, and landowners, to take advantage of the economic opportunities created through this infrastructure development in line with the Post COVID-19
Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Betong Dato Dr Richard Rapu said the construction of the Sungai Paku Bridge serves as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the Spaoh and Betong areas, and will further enhance connectivity
between Sri Aman, Betong, and Sarikei.
The Pre-Launch Ceremony of the Sungai Paku Bridge, organised by the Public Works Department (JKR) Betong Division, symbolised the progress in the implementation of the strategic infrastructure project.
Also present were the Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Layar Assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Resident of Betong Division Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Datu Chiew Chee Yau, Director of Public Works Sarawak Datu Dr Cassidy Morris and Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Roseline Mapong, alongside heads of departments and
community leaders. -UKASnews
