21 mega bridges in Sarawak open up new economic opportunities

KUCHING, Oct 5: Construction of 21 mega bridges across Sarawak not only strengthens the connectivity network but also opens up new economic opportunities and improves living standards especially in rural areas.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embassy said infrastructure development is among the key drivers in connecting previously isolated areas with economic and market centres.

According to him, increased access also affects the value of land and property, as well as helping people market agricultural products and local output at better prices.

"The most important is Bruit Island. Bruit Island was previously isolated from mainland Sarawak. But with two bridges, it is now part of Sarawak. People's lives are also changing and this situation gives them an opportunity to improve their standard of living through the opportunities available. I understand the prices of goods produced there are also rising", he said.

He said this when meeting at the Pre-Launch Meeting of the Swan Bridge in Kuching, Monday.

Uggah explained, of the 21 mega bridges planned, 12 of them have been fully completed, while four more are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The remaining five bridge projects are expected to be completed next year.

In the meantime, the Sarawak Government also paid attention to environmental sustainability aspects in development of transport infrastructure including through construction of 11-kilometre highway across peatland area on Batang Sadong route.

According to Uggah, the final phase of development of Sarawak's connectivity infrastructure also includes construction and upgrading of 5,700 kilometres of paved roads in rural areas.

The effort is expected to help achieve the goal of connecting the majority of villages and rural areas in Sarawak by 2030, thus ensuring more people have access to economic and development opportunities.-TVS