Construction of the RM43.5 million bridge was announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak during the run-up to the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-election in 2016.
Work started on July 31 last year and is scheduled to be completed by July 30, 2019.
Manab Mohd Piah, 92, a resident of Kampung Ulu Piol, 4km from Manong Town, said with the completion of the bridge, residents, particularly students, would no longer have to travel by boat to reach Manong town across the Perak River.
“It will be more convenient for the children as taking a boat to the school in town is rather risky.”
Noriza Ishak, 49, a trader at Dataran Amanjaya Manong located near the bridge, said she hoped the area would be developed as she was planning to open a mini market in the vicinity.
Noriza, who is originally from Manong and currently lives in Sungai Siput, said the 40-minute daily trip was worthwhile as her earnings were good and it could increase further with the completion of the bridge.
“The journey from Kampung Seberang Manong to Parit, which takes about an hour, would be reduced by half, and to Kuala Kangsar, which takes about 40 minutes, will take only 10 minutes,” she said.
Manong state assemblyman Kamil Shafie said the bridge would benefit more than 15,000 residents in Manong Town and Seberang Manong.
According to him, Kampung Seberang Manong comprises several villages, including Kampung Ulu Piol, Kampung Suak Petai, Kampung Guar, Kampung Bekho, Kampung Kubang Udang and Kampung Mandah.
“Other than economic benefits, residents could also quickly reach Manong police station if they need to report a crime or the hospital in Kuala Kangsar in case of an emergency.
“The bridge is also an advantage for those involved in the agricultural sector, such as rubber tappers and local fruit sellers, who currently have to take the boat which operates from 6am to 6pm daily and charges RM1 per person and RM2 for motorcycles,” he said.
Kamil said 90% of the government’s pledges in the manifesto at the last election had been successfully implemented, including the construction of the Jerlun Chinese Hall, Kampung Ulu Piol Mosque and 1Malaysia Internet Centre in Manong town.
He said a “Mini Arena”, which could accommodate 500 people at one time, had also been built at Dataran Amanjaya Manong next to the bridge.
Other plans in the offing included the proposed Sungai Perak freshwater fish centre at the square and a housing development project for second generation residents, he added.