Batanghari bridge to open up Jambi

Batanghari bridge to open up Jambi

JAMBI, Jambi: Jambi's provincial administration is attempting to secure a Rp 170 billion Japanese grant for the Batanghari II bridge project, which will improve domestic links and open up access to South Sumatra.

The bridge, now in its initial stage of development with a budget worth Rp 7.1 billion, will bring communities in southern and northern parts of Batanghari river into closer contact, and will become a major alternative access route to neighboring South Sumatra.

Provincial officials disclosed on Wednesday that the government had given Jambi top priority for the Japanese aid, which would be provided under Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

With a span of 2,150 meters, the bridge, located in Jambi's Sijenjang village, will shorten the distance from Jambi city to Samudera Muara Sabak port by half, from 132 kilometers to only 64 kilometers.

As planned, the 150-meter-by-nine-meter bridge will cross Batanghari river and Sijenjang island. --Antara