Car bridge benefits Kiulu villagers
KIULU: Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing important infrastructure needs here to improve the prosperity and wellbeing of the community.
Recognising the significance of seamless connectivity, he pledged to champion the construction of strategic bridges, effectively linking all villages in Kiulu.
Joniston said this at the launching of newly completed high beam bridge in Kampung Nulu, on Thursday.
Currently, he said construction is underway for another two vital bridges at Kampung Pahu and Kampung Poturidong, slated for completion by mid-year.
“I have personally gone to the ground to see for myself the progress of the construction of the two bridges that would benefit a sizeable number of villagers in several kampungs.
“Construction of two other key bridges in Kampung Mantob and Kampung Bayag has also been approved under the Fourth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan,” said Joniston.
He added the state Public Works Department director Philemon Lajawai has given his assurance that tender processes for these projects will be out within this year.
“I will continue to pursue the approval of other strategic infrastructure needs in Kiulu,” stressed Joniston.
He also emphasised the importance of fundamental infrastructure such as roads, bridges and reliable utilities in realising Kiulu’s full agricultural and tourism potential.
Speaking on the newly built high beam, Joniston expressed that the vehicular bridge that stretches across the Kimulou river will benefit villagers from Kampung Nulu and other settlements.
He said previously, villagers with cars had to leave their cars on one side of the river and use a suspension bridge to get to their kampungs.
Meanwhile, Kampung Nulu Village Development and Security Committee chairman Samuel Gumbaris said a total of nine villages benefit from this car bridge facility.
These villages are Nulu, Kaung Lapai, Simpangan Lama, Taginambur, Balabakan, Giok, Nadau, Pomorian and Pantok.
“We have been waiting for the construction of this car bridge for over many years. Approximately 4,000 people will benefit from the construction of this car bridge.
“I express my gratitude to our current government for being able to fulfill the needs of the people here,” he said.
A resident of Kampung Nulu, Rita Salagan, said the car bridge had shortened travel time from Pekan Kiulu to Pekan Nabalu as well as the travel time of villagers from Pantok to Nulu and to Pekan Kiulu and Pekan Tamparuli.
“With this bridge, there is a possibility that many will come to ‘tamu’ Pekan Nabalu to sell their agricultural products.
“We have been waiting for the construction of this car bridge for so long. Thanks to YB Datuk Joniston for successfully getting allocation for the construction of this bridge,” she said.