SAMARAHAN, Feb 27: The Sarawak Coastal Road and Second Trunk Road projects worth RM11 billion will benefit about two million people once completed, Assistant Minister of Infrastructures and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi has said.
This is because the two mega projects were designed to connect Sarawak major coastal towns such as Sematan, Buntal, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Meludam, Pusa, Kabong, Tanjung Manis, Daro, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
“These projects will definitely boost socio-economic growth along these areas by increasing connectivity and providing safer and more convenient accessibility from major towns to rural areas inclusive of longhouses and villages along the coastal belt of the state,” Julaihi said after Ground Breaking Ceremony for Pavement Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Kota Samarahan – Sadong Jaya Road today.
Noting that the traffic between Kuching to Sibu has increased drastically especially now with the ongoing construction of Pan Borneo Highway, Julaihi said many road users now choose to take the alternative route, which is the coastal road as it offers substantial savings in time and cost.
Upon completion of the second trunk roads, the travelling distance for Kuching – Sibu route will be reduced to 225km and Kuching – Betong to only 142km.
Earlier Julaihi visited the pavement rehabilitation site for Kota Samarahan – Sadong Jaya Road towards ferry point B at Sungai Moyan bridge.
The rehabilitation package will improve certain stretches of existing coastal road and boost socio-economic development of the coastal regions where large population resides.
“The contracted sum is RM11.8 million and is awarded to Debessa Development Sdn Bhd. This package involves approximately 99km R5 JKR standard two lane single carriageway road with minimum of 60m road reserve width from Batang Samarahan bridge to Roban including construction of Batang Saribas bridge at Kuala Saribas,” he added.— DayakDaily
