| Azlan Othman |
THE mega Temburong Bridge, which is under construction reflects His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s concern for the welfare of the citizens and residents of the country.
In an interview with the Bulletin during the monarch’s meet-and-greet session with Temburong residents yesterday, Janlita anak Mingan, the Village Head of Kampong Tanjong Bungar cum a leader of the Iban community in Temburong, expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for the construction of the Temburong Bridge. He said the bridge will help to facilitate commuters going to and from Temburong and he is looking forward to its completion.
The boat service between Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) and Bangar is limited, and if commuters want to go to the capital, they need to pass through Limbang, which is only opened until midnight.
Janlita also expects the population of Temburong to rise after the bridge’s completion as those who work in the capital will just commute daily from Temburong.
Another resident, Haji Abdul Hamid, said the bridge would shorten the period of travel between Bandar Seri Begawan to Temburong to only 30 minutes.
“It will now shorten the travel without passing the Malaysian border and make the transport of supplies to Temburong faster and convenient with no more queues. During joy and sorrow, especially visiting family members, one could travel without hassle 24 hours a day,” he added.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is greeted by the residents of Temburong District
His Majesty during the get-together celebration
His Majesty during the meet-and-greet in Temburong District
His Majesty in a photo with residents of Temburong District. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Meanwhile, Padan bin Lasong from Kampong Parit in the Temburong District cum the Head of the Murut Cultural Troupe, said the community also expressed their gratitude to His Majesty and the Government’s efforts in helping to reduce the hassle of frequent passport stamps.
“As village residents, we also propose for the introduction of a toll bridge, albeit with only small charges, as a source of revenue for the nation and a source of employment for the jobless locals. It is for the benefit of the residents, regardless of ethnic background,” he added.
People from the capital have also shown keen interest to buy land in Temburong nowadays. With the bridge, big supermarkets will thrive in Temburong, thus bringing convenience to the residents without having to go to BSB to buy goods.
Meanwhile, Chen Hongke, Project Manager of China State Construction Engineering Co Ltd which is involved in the construction of the bridge, said they were in Brunei since last September to build the Temburong Bridge marine viaducts (CC4) project which has now reached about 12 kilometres.
“The project runs smoothly and is according to our schedule. Up to today, there is not much delay. We help the nation in its development and hopes that through our contribution, the local people would have a better life,” Chen said.
During the ground breaking ceremony for the bridge earlier this year, it was highlighted that the construction will be carried out in several phases or packages and is expected to be completed in 2019.
The construction will take place over a five-contract package, or phases, to include work on two 13.4km marine viaducts, a 1.1km cable-stay navigation bridge, the 11.8km Temburong viaduct, the installation of systems encompassing traffic control and surveillance, supervisory control and data acquisition and road lighting as well as the power supply system to provide high-voltage electricity to power the entire bridge.
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