SIMANGGANG: The opening of the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge on 31 October has been well received by community leaders from various ethnic groups in the Sri Aman Division, expressing confidence that it would boost economic and social development while enhancing the well-being of local residents.
Sri Aman Division Iban community leader Temenggong Leonard Libau Anol said that the 870-meter-long bridge has successfully reduced travel time between Sri Aman and Betong from one hour to just 25 minutes.
According to him, this faster and more convenient connectivity not only stimulates the local economy and businesses but also opens up wider market opportunities for entrepreneurs in food, handicrafts and local products as well as in the transport, accommodation and service sectors.
He also noted that the bridge has the potential to become a new tourist attraction for Sarawak, thanks to its iconic 145.5-metre-tall cable-stayed tower design, while also facilitating and accelerating the transport of agricultural produce by local residents.
Meanwhile, Sri Aman Division Chinese community leader Temenggong Kueh Aik Seng said that the construction of the bridge not only accelerates development but also strengthens ties between the communities of Sri Aman and Betong.
He shared that community leaders from various ethnic groups in the Sri Aman Division had previously submitted a memorandum to the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg in 2019 requesting that the implementation of the bridge project be expedited for the benefit of the people.
In this regard, he expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak Premier for his commitment to realising the project, an initiative that reflects the state government’s concern for the needs of the people and its dedication to providing infrastructure that benefits the community. -UKASnews
