BINTANGOR, April 29 — Sarikei constituents’ long-standing desire to have a road connecting Meradong and Jalan Tanjung Manis will soon materialise following the announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg today.
The 17km-long Jalan Pasi-Sibu-Jalan Tanjung Manis project, including a 1.2km bridge across the Batang Rajang, costing RM450 million, will be built immediately and expected to be completed within the next three years.
Abang Johari made the announcement on the project after launching the Senada Meradong programme at the Bintangor Basketball Stadium here today.
The construction of the road that will shorten the travel time between the Meradong and Sarikei districts and Tanjung Manis will be the state government’s gift to the people in the Sarikei parliamentary constituency.
Previously, the people had to go through Sibu to use the Batang Igan Bridge which was located 52 km away.
The new road will also benefit the agricultural-based traders in Sarikei as they will be able to send their products to Tanjung Manis, the Sarawak halal hub centre, to be marketed overseas.
“Charter flights can also land at Tanjung Manis to transport tonnes of agricultural produce directly to Singapore to be marketed elsewhere. So we have market accessibility there,” said Abang Johari adding that Sarawak would also open its state trade office in Singapore next year.
Another exciting news announced by Abang Johari was the allocation of RM81 million approved for the water supply projects in the Meradong district.
“The projects involve the installation of main pipeline from the Bulat Reservoir to Temadak Reservoir costing RM30 million; the Temadak Reservoir- Pekan Bitangor main pipeline costing RM25 million; and proposed booster pump station and main pipelines to Jalan Kelupu-Julau-Durin-Jalan Ulu Strass, Batang Bintangor costing RM26 million,” he said.
The projects will be funded by the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS).
He also proposed the construction of an agro park in Sungai Sian near Bintangor town to complement the existing agro park in Sarikei where infrastructure facilities would be developed by the state government. — Bernama
