SIBU: Residents of Jalan Kwong Ming Hilir, Sungai Bidut, West Bank here are enjoying the safer and more convenient access path to their homes after the old wooden bridge in front of Yong King Jeen’s home was replaced with a sturdier iron bridge.
The project which began in mid-July has completed, thanks to the efforts of the Sibu Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
Chairman of the SUPP Bawang Assan Branch Cr Kevin Lau, expressed his gratitude to the Sibu DID in expediting the project and resolving the issue.
In addition to widening the river channel beneath the bridge to improve drainage flow and reduce the likelihood of flooding, the upgrade has made a convenient access for Yong’s family and other villagers.
Speaking during the site inspection of the completed project yesterday morning, Lau said that back in February this year, residents in the area had sought assistance from local community leader Kapitan Tang Chuo Ging.
Together with Penghulu Steven Tiew Siik Nieng, Sibu Rural District Council councillor Yong Ing Hock, councillor Justin Wong Sing Ing, and officers from the Sibu DID, they carried out an inspection of the site to address the issue of the narrow river channel.
“The previous wooden bridge was built with a large number of objects supporting its base, which took up much of the channel space and caused the river to narrow, slowing down the drainage flow. At that time, our team, together with Yong’s family and nearby villagers, discussed the challenges faced in order to find the best solution,” he said.
He added that during the course of the project, residents, community leaders, and DID engineers worked together and monitored the construction progress.
Lau said the replacement of the old wooden bridge with the current iron bridge has not only strengthened the bridge’s load-bearing capacity but also enhanced the safety of the residents.
“With the bridge upgrade, the river channel beneath has also been widened, which is expected to improve drainage speed and reduce the risk of tidal flooding in the future,” he explained.
He expressed his appreciation to the local community leaders, government agencies, and councillors who have joined forces to help improve the living environment for the residents of Bawang Assan, and hoped that the villagers would make good use of the iron bridge.
