KENINGAU - The construction of a suspension bridge as a connecting road for the residents of Kampung Mansiang Baru, here, is already listed in the implementation and construction list and expected to start in the near future.
Tulid state assemblywoman Flovia Ng said that the allocation approval from the Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) for the construction of the suspension bridge had already been approved.
"The suspension bridge for Kampung Mansiang Baru has been listed in the implementation through the assembly's allocation.
"The approval from KPLB has been issued and this will be implemented in the near future," she said when contacted on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Tulid State Assembly Community Development Officer Casmir Silip when met in Keningau said that a visit to the location was done with the Tulid assemblywoman last Thursday.
"We found that there is indeed a need to build a suspension bridge for other alternatives besides low level crossings and we have tried to help the community there.
"The construction of the suspension bridge will start for the tender draw process and after identifying the contractor, we will start the construction of the project within this week.
"We hope that the appointed contractor will do its best for the needs of the people of Kampung Mansiang Baru," he said.
When asked if there was a proposal to build a concrete bridge, he informed that the matter was also among the issues raised to be forwarded to the district office.
"In the visit, we proposed to advance the concrete bridge application for the vehicle path.
"However, this is in planning and we understand that not only residents can use this route but for other residents who bring agricultural products such as palm oil from the area," he said.
Previously, Casmir said that there were as many as 30 houses and a total of 161 residents including 20 pupils and students living in the affected village.
Sinar on Friday reported that pupils and students had to use the pipeline route to cross the Biah River in the village if the water level in the river rose.
The pipeline was the only alternative for the residents to go out and enter the village if the river water is still at a high level.
A video lasting one minute and 32 seconds also went viral showing some students from the village walking through the pipeline, causing various reactions from the public, including in terms of safety.