BETONG, Jan 20: The Sungai Krian Bridge in Betong Division is expected to be fully completed and open to the public on or before this year's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the bridge construction project is now in its final stages with physical progress reaching 95 percent completion.

"The construction of this bridge reflects the ongoing commitment of the Sarawak Government in strengthening rural communication networks, especially in coastal areas.

"The 1.2-kilometer Sungai Krian Bridge, including the alignment of roads, serves as the main link between Pusa District and Kabong District, thus facilitating the daily movement of residents and stimulating local economic activities," he said.

He said this when met after attending the Sungai Krian Bridge Connection Symbolic Ceremony at the project site in Pusa, on Tuesday.

According to Uggah, the good weather conditions over the past few days gave the contractor an advantage to complete the remaining construction work according to the set schedule.

He said the bridge was built at a cost of RM112.499 million and has a total length of 1.227 kilometers including the approach road on both sides of the bridge.

He added that the construction of the Krian River Bridge is part of the Sarawak Coastal Road Project that connects Saribas, Krian, Beladin, Kabong to Roban.

He said the project also contributed to the list of major bridges expected to be completed and opened to the public throughout this year, thus strengthening the communication network in the coastal areas of Sarawak.

In the meantime, residents and community leaders in the Krian area expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Sarawak Government for the implementation of the Krian River Bridge construction project which is expected to be fully completed in the near future.

The headman of Kampung Beladin, Zakaria Mos, described the project as something that the local residents were looking forward to, especially in facilitating daily movement that previously depended entirely on the ferry service.

"The existence of the bridge not only shortens the travel time between Pusa and Kabong, but also plays an important role in improving the standard of living of the population, especially in the agricultural sector and other economic activities," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of Kampung Batang Maro, Allen Aran, also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Government, especially the Sarawak Public Works Department and related agencies for their efforts to realize the construction of the bridge.

"The construction of this bridge will eliminate the problems that residents often faced before, including the need to wait for the ferry or turn back when the ferry service is not operating," he said.