SIMANGGANG: Iconic bridges have become defining landmarks for Sarawak towns, each striving to showcase its own uniqueness while contributing to the state’s development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he observed that every town wanted to have its own identity through infrastructure.
“What I see today is that every town wants to compete with one another. Bintulu has the Kemena Bridge, named after the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, while Simanggang also has its own bridge.
“Everywhere I go, people ask for bridges, God-willing, we can build them, provided our state remains peaceful,” he said at the 22nd Sri Aman Pesta Benak opening held at the Sri Aman Waterfront here today.
Abang Johari said that Simanggang with its bridge having a distinctive design, would stand out as a landmark for the town here.
“When I saw it from a helicopter, it felt like I was flying over the United States. It is unique, and the state government will have to develop the supporting infrastructure around it,” he said.
He added that the bridge was part of the state government’s long-term plan to upgrade infrastructure and stimulate growth in Sri Aman.
“It is not cheap, but this is our investment to upgrade infrastructure in Simanggang. The bridge will connect Tanjung Bijat, Lingga up to Sebuyau, and one of the roads will lead to Betong, reducing travel time to just 30 minutes,” he said.
Abang Johari said this new connectivity would transform the town into a hinterland capable of driving both social and agricultural activities.
“With road networks in place, we can open new areas and assess their economic potential. This ties in with our economic planning to make Sarawak a food-producing region.
“By using mechanised and modern farming methods, we can achieve higher yields for agriculture-based industries,” he said.
He added that major road projects, such as the Pan Borneo Highway and the coastal roads, would further boost accessibility to and from Simanggang, drawing more visitors and strengthening economic links with Kuching and other parts of the state.
“This will certainly expand our economy and is part of our long-term vision. Projects like this are not cheap, but we are committed to find the money, and provide developments,” he said.
The Premier stressed that development could only be realised if Sarawak remained peaceful and politically stable.
“Let us not fight among ourselves. We must safeguard our politics and what matters is that we deliver,” he said.
