Construction of the Mo’awo River Bridge in Gunungsitoli to Start This Year
Construction of the Mo’awo River Bridge in Gunungsitoli will begin this year. Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution of North Sumatra has called upon the community to cooperate to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and serves the public interest.
Bobby Nasution personally inspected the condition of the Mo’awo River Bridge on Jalan Yos Sudarso in Gamo, Gunungsitoli.
He also spoke with residents about the bridge construction and the needs of the fishermen. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Gunungsitoli, Sowa’a Laoli, the Regent of West Nias, Eliyunus Waruwu, and various heads of relevant regional government agencies (OPD).
On site, Bobby observed serious damage to the bridge deck, which led to traffic jams and posed a danger to road users. He also inspected other parts of the bridge that will be built this year.
During the conversation with the residents, Bobby received various suggestions, ranging from the need for facilities for fishermen and moorings for boats to the construction of a breakwater. However, the most frequently expressed wish was to accelerate the construction of the Mo’awo River Bridge, the main connection between Gunungsitoli City and the North Nias district.
“I know the situation is worrying, so we are going to get started on it immediately this year. I ask for everyone’s support so that this can proceed smoothly,” said Bobby Nasution.
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He called on the community to work together on the construction. According to him, the project was originally planned to start last year but was delayed by various obstacles.
“Many people don’t believe it, but I am determined to develop the Nias Islands. If someone mocks or laughs at me, I don’t care. After all, we are here on behalf of the government, and I am fulfilling my state duty. The most important thing is that we do not let ourselves be held back,” said Bobby Nasution.
This statement came after several residents had expressed their concerns about the potential disruption to their businesses or livelihoods due to the construction work.
“I am not thinking of one person, but of the interests of the entire community. So let certain individuals not be obstacles to the public good.
If something is not finished, we can find a solution together. I also do not want anyone’s economy to be disrupted (or lost) by the development. But there are consequences, and we can create temporary alternatives while the work is ongoing,” emphasized Bobby Nasution.
In response to the proposed improvement of the fishing facilities, Bobby requested the relevant regional authorities (OPDs) to conduct an immediate investigation in cooperation with the local government and representatives of the fishermen.
The study will include plans for the construction of a fish auction, jetties for fishing boats, breakwaters, and other supporting facilities.
“I ask the heads of the relevant agencies to discuss this with (the fishermen and the local government). This allows us to collect the data and determine what steps we can take. It also prevents us from building haphazardly, so we must first know the measurements (data),” he said.
Furthermore, Bobby is also considering the establishment of a Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) for the Agency for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Gunungsitoli.
The existence of this Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) is considered crucial for streamlining administrative services for fishing vessels over 5 GT, including providing recommendations for obtaining subsidized diesel fuel at service stations and national fuel stations.
Meanwhile, Martonlis Telaumbanua, the head of the village of Saewe, expressed his appreciation for Governor Bobby Nasution’s visit to the Nias Islands.
He expressed the hope that the presence of the provincial government of North Sumatra would accelerate regional development, particularly in the infrastructure sector, which supports community well-being, alongside education and healthcare. ***rel
