KUCHING, March 26: Concrete roads instead of tarred roads maybe a better option to serve as village and longhouse roads in rural areas, says Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
According to a statement, he explained that concrete roads seem to be more durable in certain conditions and that they would likely not need much maintenance.
“There are some such roads in my constituency (Bukit Saban) where I have observed that they are more durable and in better condition than tarred roads.
“Now, a number of new roads have concrete stretches especially those in steep terrain areas,” he said after inspecting rural transformation programme (RTP) project sites in the Bukit Saban constituency here today.
Uggah added that he would discuss this option with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to find out more about its viability and practicality in areas with difficult terrain in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Uggah who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (MIPD) said a sum of RM7.35 million had been spent on 43 development projects in his constituency over the last three years.
Of them, 30 have been completed and the rest are in various stages of implementation.
The implementing agencies include Betong District Council, JKR and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
“As is the practice now, we will continue to closely monitor their implementation. We want them to be completed successfully, meaning on schedule and with the expected quality.
“Contractors who face any issues can always talk to the respective elected representative. We are more than willing to help for a win-win situation for them, the government and the people,” he emphasised.
Also present during the visit was Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu. — DayakDaily
