There are 13. If you look at the map of the Rajang delta you will see that there are lots of distributaries....and no wonder.
In the past we were quite dependent on the simple Bailey Bridge. Cross a Bailey Bridge would give you that marvellous kolok kolok kolok noise...and you feel that you are on top of the world...going to be home soon with your grandmother or family..
I wonder how many people appreciate the simple bridges of the olden days.
A Sarawak Rural scene...Bailey bridges were promised to the local people for many years in the 60's. But it was also the government's perception that such bridges would allow the Communists to move around more easily. So very few bridges were built...and that caused a lot of people to migrate to Sibu and abandon their farms. Social progress may be making a turn around...but we will see what happens in the next 20 years. Decision makers have to take culture into consideration because culture is living and has a soul.
One of the small distributaries of the Rajang....water is usually red in colour if it is not polluted by soil erosion. Water is an essential element of life. Take that away from the community and life is gone!!
Another Bailey Bridge
This is near Bawan Assan....it was demolished not long after I took this photo...a new concretised bridge took its place...
10 comments:
i m always amazed by bridges!
I remember once traveling bu bus from Kuching to Sibu. I reasoned to myself, I have never seen so many bridges in my life.
Interesting info on Bailey bridge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey_bridge
The Merudu one at CTC Sarikei has been demolished and a new bridge is work-in-progress
Yes Wenn...I love bridges from all ages...and they are good metaphors literally. thanks for visiting.
Ann...in one report it was stated that there were 366 Bailey bridges in Sarawak...and many other modern ones..There should be many hanging rope bridges too made by the natives...That's because we have so many rivers and innumerous pockets of human settlements.
Daniel..thanks for the update and info...Cheers
am I allowed to spread rumours? and You are not supposed to listen to rumours according to Govt propaganda machine in the 70s. Look up wiki.
Ann...which rumour? Haven 't heard any lately..so not spreading any....hahahahahah
I've always been excited to see the bridges especially on our drives home to Sibu a long time ago.
I still remember the ones all the way to Bakam and we had to wait our turns to go over it.
That just shows how patient drivers were until the early 90s in sarawak. I'm very sure the drivers over here won't even want to wait their turn.
Where was it that we came across that very very very long bailey bridge?
Yes...but I cannot remember the very very long Bailey Bridge now...My memory is beginning to fade..
Post a Comment