BRIDGE TO PROGRESS
It will connect Kg Bako to towns, providing greater socio-economic opportunities
THE residents of Kampung Bako here will soon enjoy a better quality of life, thanks to a bridge project that will provide access to nearby villages and towns.
Resident Hajijah Mohammad said the bridge, which is scheduled for completion in August, would address the mobility challenges faced by some 3,000 villagers.
She said at present, residents had to pay between 30 and 50 sen for a boat ride across Sungai Bako to run errands or buy everyday items in neighbouring towns.
“We don’t have a secondary school here. Our children have to cross the river by boat every morning to attend class,” she told the New Sunday Times yesterday.
She said there was only one primary school in the village.
There are two boat operators in Kampung Bako. They own 10 vessels. They operate from 5am to 12am daily and keep at least one boat available in case of emergency.
The boats, said Hajijah, posed a serious safety risk to residents, especially during heavy rains and strong winds.
“We are forced to take the boat every time we go out of the village, even if we just want to buy some vegetables. It’s the only choice we have.”
The upcoming 3.5km Kampung Bako bridge, she said, was set to be a game changer by providing greater socio-economic opportunities for villagers.
The bridge will connect the village to Jalan Kampung Bako, which is 25 minutes from the state capital.
The RM41.3 million bridge project will feature two lanes and another 280m-long concrete footbridge that connects to the village.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who visited the village yesterday, was briefed on the progress of the project.
“Once the village is accessible by road, we believe more visitors and tourists will come here.
“We can sell them our homemade products, handicraft and local delicacies,” said Hajijah, adding that she appreciated Najib’s visit to the village.
“People can only understand our situation if they visit us. We need more business opportunities and better infrastructure.
“We are very thankful for the prime minister’s visit. I hope the government will continue to help us.”
Najib was accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who is also the Santubong member of parliament.
Despite his busy schedule, Najib spent some time mingling with the villagers before performing the zohor prayer at a nearby mosque.