SEBUYAU: Sarawak’s engineers have proven their ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects through the successful completion of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the bridge reflected the quality and expertise of the state’s engineers, who had demonstrated they were capable of undertaking major infrastructure projects of the highest standards.
He added the federal government’s decision to allow Sarawak to implement federal water supply projects in the state reflected confidence in Sarawak’s engineering capability.
“Our engineers can do it. Give them the task, and they can deliver. That is the standard of our engineers, and that is the reflection of the quality of our engineers.
“Today, we are not only officiating a bridge. We are telling the world that Sarawak can do it when given the responsibility,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the opening ceremony of the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge here today.
Abang Johari said there had been instances where state-funded water pipelines had been completed while connecting federal infrastructure remained unfinished, delaying the overall water supply network.
He cited a project in Kemena where pipelines constructed by the Sarawak government on both sides of the road could not be connected because the federal section connecting them had yet to be completed.
“We completed our part of the project, while the federal portion remained unfinished.
“Eventually, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed that Sarawak should implement the federal water supply projects because our engineers have the expertise to deliver infrastructure works,” he added.
The Premier said the successful completion of projects such as the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge had strengthened confidence in the state’s engineering capability, with Sarawak continuing to undertake major road infrastructure projects across the state.
He said ongoing works include roads linking Miri, Marudi, Long Terawan, Long Lama and Long Panai, involving investments of more than RM3 billion to improve connectivity in the interior.
“No part of Sarawak should be left without road access. Even though these projects involve vast distances and significant costs, we have secured the resources needed to continue developing rural areas through prudent financial management and financial re-engineering,” he said.
