New bridge under construction at Sungai Endap Jawa Gunda
KUCHING: Villagers at Lorong 7, Kampung Jawa Gunda along Jalan Kuching- Serian can breathe a sigh of relief when their dilapidated bridge across Sungai Endap Jawa Gunda is finally being upgraded.
Kampung Jawa Gunda village chief Ramad Ahmad said the project has brought smiles to 55 residents from 10 houses living along the lane ( lorong) despite the long wait for a new bridge.
“We are very thankful that we finally get to have a new bridge to replace the old one which is no longer safe as it is on the verge of collapsing,” he said when contacted yesterday.
According to him, the old wooden bridge was built more than 20 years ago and served as the passageway for villagers to cross the four metre wide Sungai Endap Jawa Gunda.
“However, since 2010, the bridge was no longer sturdy as it was old and damaged, most likely caused by constant flooding,” he opined.
He said the condition of the bridge also made it unsafe for villagers particularly their children to go to their respective schools, SK St Francis Xavier in Seratau and SMK Siburan.
“Furthermore, there are also crocodiles in this river and this has caused fear among some villagers to cross the bridge as it is situated quite low and near the surface of the river.”
Ramad said the application to replace the dilapidated wooden bridge was presented in 2010 and finally approved last year by Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit, who is also Puncak Borneo MP.
“The new concrete bridge, which cost RM200,000, is now under construction after work commenced on Nov 15.”