PENAMPANG: The RM16.8 million Timpangoh-Babagon Bridge has been completed three months ahead of schedule, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also Penampang MP, said the project was initially scheduled for completion in July, but the Public Works Department issued the certificate of completion in April before the bridge was officially opened on Saturday.
He said the bridge would ease movement for thousands of residents in Mukim Babagon who previously relied on a low-level crossing that became impassable whenever the Moyog River rose.
Ewon said the completed bridge would support local economic activities by allowing agricultural produce to be transported out of the area at any time and enabling government agencies to reach villages in the agricultural zone more easily.
He also said SMK Kipovo in Kampung Babagon is expected to begin operating next year, with the State Government approving a RM7.3 million special allocation to channel water supply from Kampung Madsiang to the school.