PUSA: The long wait of residents in Beladin and Pusa has finally come to an end with the official completion and opening of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge, which connects the two areas.
The bridge was opened to the public today, and this marks the fifth completed bridge out of a total of 16 planned along the Sarawak Coastal Road.
The 1.55-kilometre bridge, built at a cost of RM375.5 million, had its pre-launch event officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, described the project as a testament to the state government’s commitment towards improving the quality of life for rural communities.
“This bridge not only saves travel time – reducing the previous 30-minute ferry ride to just a few minutes – but also significantly improves access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the local community,” he said during a press conference after the pre-launch.
He added that the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge is part of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s initiative to bridge the rural-urban development gap, and dispel claims that the coastal road development promises were empty.
“This project also serves as an alternative route to the Pan Borneo Highway, connecting villages, schools and clinics in the Pusa and Beladin areas.
“Moreover, it opens up new economic opportunities for residents through the promotion of local products,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah also called on appointed contractors to stay on track with the construction of the remaining coastal bridges to ensure that all Sarawakians can benefit from the development.
