KUCHING: The new RM150 million Lawas Bridge is expected to be built by early 2025.
Piling and earth works are presently going on at the site of the project which is being implemented by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA).
“Once completed, the iconic bridge with tower arches and suspension cables, and decorated with LED lights will reduce travel time crossing the Batang Lawas to go to Jalan Pulau Salam on the north and Kampung Ladang Baru on the south of Lawas town,” it said in a statement.
“The project is one of the 168 infrastructure projects under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) which has been allocated with RM1.5 billion by the Sarawak government to expedite infrastructure development in Limbang and Lawas region.”
It said the launching was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the NRDA board chairman at the site on Tuesday afternoon.
RECODA chief executive officer, Datuk Ismawi Ismuni said the project which began on May 26 this year would involve the construction of a 642 metre long and 12.4 metre wide bridge equipped with four tower arches and suspension cables with LED lighting including 1.1 kilometres of access road to the bridge.
“RECODA would ensure that the project is implemented on time and within its scopes and standards.
“We also hope the locals will give their full cooperation to us to ensure this project can be completed on time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said besides the bridge project, NRDA is also in the midst of implementing several mega projects.
He said the petrochemical development project in Lawas would result in the construction of an integrated petrochemical refinery complex with an investment of US$5 billion that would help create job opportunities for the locals.
“The state government is expediting the infrastructure development in order to develop the state economy that will eventually help to increase the income of the people,” he said.
NRDA is one of the three regional development agencies set up by the Sarawak Government under the purview of RECODA. The other two agencies are Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and Highland Development Agency (HDA).
