Masing (fourth left), Julaihi on his left and Dr Jerip on his right giving their thumbs-up to the project.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The RM93-million Samarahan bridge project will receive an additional RM7 million to upgrade the stretch of road leading to Kpg Tambey in Asajaya side.

In disclosing this, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, said the additional allocation is within the ceiling price of the project, which was set at RM113 million.

“The bridge project will need  an extra allocation of RM7 million for widening and upgrading of the road leading to Kpg Tambey in Aasajaya side and which the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) will have to approve because we don’t want a bottle-neck after the bridge,” Masing told reporters yesterday.

Earlier, he attended a briefing by project manager Noriati Mohamad at the project site, together with Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi and Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.

Also present were Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang, Samarahan Resident Brahim Lumpu and senior officers from the Public Works Department (JKR) Samarahan.

The bridge, which is 790 metres long and to be completed in June next year, will cut travelling time from Kuching to Asajaya by half an hour and, once completed, will be the second bridge along the  coastal road after Batang Sadong bridge.

Several bridges are needed to connect the coastal road network, among them are over Batang Lupar, Batang Lassa, Btg Rambungan, Sungai Saribas, Sungai Krian, Btg Paloh  and Btg Igan.

Masing also said that the bridge and the stretch of road leading to the Samarahan bridge must have proper street lighting for safety reason, adding that the project will have spin-off for the nearby villagers.

Meanwhile, Julaihi said he was satisfied with the progress of the project, which is now about 83 per cent completed.

“I am satisfied with the progress of the project which is to be completed on time,” he said.