| Azlan Othman |
PRESIDENT of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in yesterday made a visit to the Temburong Bridge construction project in Jalan Kota Batu, where he addressed the Korean workers who are currently on course to complete the project ahead of schedule.
“Through your work, you are connecting the western and eastern part of Brunei, as well as its present and future,” he said.
“This project will pave the way for balanced growth between the Temburong and Brunei-Muara districts. In this, we are taking part in Brunei’s future. This bridge that you are building is also a bridge that connects Brunei and Korea through the relentless pursuit of technological advancement and sheer passion,” he added. The President was welcomed at the bridge construction site by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar.
Also present was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, in his capacity as Minister-in-Attendance.
The Temburong Bridge Project is being implemented under four construction packages, two of which are being undertaken in a joint venture between one of the largest contractors from the Republic of Korea, Daelim Industrial Company Limited, and local contractor Swee Sdn Bhd.
The Temburong Bridge project also marks the beginning of an ambitious plan to further boost Brunei’s economy by developing the relatively under-developed Temburong in the east.
The President also commented on the long-standing relations between Korean companies and Brunei Darussalam, saying, “Ever since embarking on the LNG plant refurbishment project in 1970, which was its first ever project in the Sultanate, Daelim Industry has constructed the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge that has become the landmark of Brunei Darussalam; and the trust that has been built along the way, led to the contract for the Temburong Bridge.
“Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, Korea and Brunei have built very strong ties and friendship. In particular, we have maintained close cooperation in infrastructure building and energy resources.
“Today our bilateral coopera-tion has evolved through partnership between Brunei Vision 2035 strategy and Korea’s new Southern Policy,” he added.
In his reciprocal remarks, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi said, “The construction packages which are under Daelim Swee joint venture are the 14.5km bridge spanning over the Brunei Bay, and the marine viaduct and two big cable-stayed navigational bridges.
“Progress has been good, and the project has benefitted from the experience of big bridge-building that Daelim has brought to the project.
“A good example is the Full Span Launching Method, which is the first in the world to be used for bridge-building and enabling the good progress. I am hopeful that the whole bridge will be fully completed by the end of this year.
“I am pleased that the Daelim Swee joint venture – as well as the other joint venture companies constructing the other packages – have continued to have a good working relationship with local contractors and suppliers; and fulfilled their obligation to engage local subcontractors, suppliers and also the number of local graduates and workers.
“By doing so, the project has provided economic spin-offs to the local companies, and also transferred technology and knowledge to our local professionals and staff.”
President Moon Jae-in is currently in the country for a three-day State Visit.
The 30-km Temburong Bridge, which is expected to be completed at the end of this year, will connect the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts via the Brunei Bay.