Hakim Hayat

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has refuted rumours that the opening of the Temburong Bridge will take place in February.

In a statement released yesterday, the PMO said, “In response to speculative information on the likelihood that the Brunei-Muara to Temburong District Bridge would be opened to the public in February this year, such information is not true and without basis.

“The Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam would also like to advise the public not to make any speculation, nor to believe or spread unverified information obtained through any social media platforms.”

The PMO also informed that government agencies are currently implementing the final phase of the project, following the completion of the bridge’s infrastructure construction.

The final phase includes the installation of security facilities and a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, telecommunication emergency equipment and signboards, as well as stepping up the preparedness of patrol agencies and emergency first-responders.

“The finishing works are meant to ensure the safety aspect of road users while they pass the Brunei-Muara to Temburong District bridge; the safety aspect of people using the Brunei waterways in the vicinity of the bridge; the emergency aspect in the event of a mishap or natural disaster; and the natural environment aspect, that all are properly tended to by the responsible agencies,” said the PMO statement.

“These final works are required for any infrastructural construction, especially for a mega-scale infrastructure such as the Brunei-Muara to Temburong District bridge.”

The PMO also assured that test runs would be conducted on the bridge, before it could be opened to the public and fully operational.

“The government will always prioritise the safety, well-being and comfort of the public in general, and bridge users in particular,” it said.

“The opening ceremony of the bridge will be announced in due course, once all aspects of the construction of the bridge are fully completed.”