Kotabaru optimistic the longest bridge will be continued

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan 14/4 (AntaranewsKalsel) - Kotabaru administration is optimistic that the construction of the longest bridge in Indonesia that connects Pulaulaut with Kalimantan mainland in Batulicin, Tanah Bumbu, will continue, despite the delay of its work by the Directorate General of Highways.

Acting Head of Highways and Water Resources Office Suprapti Tri Astuti on Friday explained that Kotabaru stay concern on the Pulaulaut-Batulicin bridge mega project by keep allocating fund until 2018.

"We remain committed to the initial agreement among Kotabaru, Tanah Bumbu and the province on funding (of the bridge project)," Suprapti said.

She dismissed the notion of the construction of a bridge that connects Pulaulaut Kotabaru with Tanah Bumbu failed.

She acknowledged that there is a delay in the work by the Directorate General of Highways of the PUPR Ministry for the work on the middle span of the bridge that should have been done this year.

The delay would lead to a delay in completion of the 2019 target. However, she is optimistic that the situation could be resolved around 2020 or 2021.

"We are still coordinating with the province, because we can not go on our own, we have coordinated with other parties, including with the local land agency related to the land and it was clear," she said.

In addition, cross-coordination continues to be done, both executive and legislative to lobby to the central government, because the bridge is a large-scale project that is hungered after by society.