LUNDU: The completion of the Rambungan Bridge will further strengthen movement and mobility between the Sampadi Zone and Kuching by providing motorists with two connectivity options, said Tanjong Datu assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan.
He said the bridge would serve as an important arterial route linking the Rambungan-Sampadi area to the gateway of Tanjong Datu, while also complementing the Pan Borneo Highway connection through Batu Kawah, Moyan and Sampadi.
“With the Rambungan Bridge, it will certainly further enhance movement and mobility between the Sampadi Zone and Kuching because we will have two options.
“Those travelling to Kuching could use the Pan Borneo Highway, while motorists heading towards Matang, Damai and other surrounding areas could use the Rambungan-Sampadi Road,” he told reporters when met after the launch of the Batang Kayan Regatta here today.
He said the improved connectivity would also support the planned development of Sampadi, which is currently predominantly an agricultural area with oil palm plantations and privately owned farms.
“We anticipate that once the bridge is completed, we will already have the infrastructure ready to support development,” he said.
Azizul said this is in line with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s earlier announcement that organic planning would be undertaken for Sampadi, incorporating smart and IT-based approaches to determine suitable development for the area.
Among the proposals, he said, is the development of a marina or boat storage facility to cater to fishing enthusiasts, alongside a community area and hawker centre to stimulate local economic activities.
“We can have a marina or boat storage area where fishing enthusiasts and others can keep their boats, as well as a community area, hawker centre and other facilities to expand economic activities,” he said.
Azizul said such facilities could help revitalise the surrounding area while providing opportunities for villagers to generate additional income.
He cited the development around the Batang Samarahan Bridge as an example, noting that hawker facilities had been provided following the completion of the bridge.
“I would like to see something similar in the Rambungan area to help the surrounding village communities, giving them opportunities to generate income,” he said.
On the progress of the Rambungan Bridge, Azizul said efforts are underway to encourage the contractor to complete the project ahead of its original schedule.
He said the project could potentially be completed around mid-2028 based on its existing schedule, but he had sought support from Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development to accelerate the works and target completion by 2027.
“That is why I said the end of 2027 is already quite late. If it can be completed in the middle of the year, even better; the earlier, the better,” he said.
Azizul said he had been monitoring the project’s progress closely and found it encouraging during his recent visits to the site.
“If I am not mistaken, the scheduled and actual completion rates are currently about the same in terms of percentage,” he said.
