The Sarawak government would provide the funding for and take over the bridge projects in Igan, Rambungan and Batang Lupar, said Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi said.

According to him, these three bridge projects were approved by the previous federal government, but were later put on hold by the new administration.

"Construction of roads, bridges and some other facilities is the responsibility of the federal government.

"However, the state government has to take over the construction of these bridges after the new government decided to postpone them.

"This is because the state government understands the aspirations and wishes of the people," he said after officiating at a ceremony yesterday to mark the commencement of works on roads from Kampung Igan to Sungai Ilas and Kampung Sah Kebuaw.

It is said that the first phase of the 8.5km road project costs RM43 million.

On a related matter Julaihi, who is Sebuyau assemblyman, said the majority of projects such as roads and bridges, would need huge allocations due to the geographical condition and vast land size of Sarawak.

"Allocations from the federal government for such projects are usually insufficient."