By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Sept 30: The construction of the Kanowit-Kapit Road is now in its final stages with 200 metres left to be tar-sealed, reveals Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
The 200 metres is part of the so-called “missing link” from Ng Ngungun (Kanowit)-Tamalat (Song) measuring 9.2km.
“We are now at the final hurdle to complete the Sibu-Kapit Road with only 200 metres left; we are now racing against time to complete it.
“This is because Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari is planning lead a convoy of motorcyclists from Sibu right up to Kapit this coming Sunday (Oct 4),” Masing told DayakDaily when contacted today.
Masing, who also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development said the contractor is now working around the clock to ensure its completion in the next few days.
“I will check on its progress on Oct 2 (Friday) to see its progress,” he said.
Masing reiterated that the delay in the completion of the 9.2km stretch was due to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in March coupled with unpredictable weather conditions over the last few weeks.
“I’m as eager as everyone else to use the road. But we can’t help it when we can’t hold it (to the schedule) due to MCO triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the unpredictable weather conditions in the last few weeks have inundated most areas in Kanowit,” he stressed.
Masing who is also the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president said the Sibu-Kapit Road is part of the government’s effort to provide road accessibility to major towns and villages throughout the state.
“This can be accomplished if there is continuity in the state political administration. In short, GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) must continue to administer Sarawak,” he added.
Meanwhile, Masing who is the Baleh assemblyman revealed that in view of the completion of the Sibu-Kanowit-Kapit Road measuring 102km, the state government is now embarking on providing better road accessibility in the upper Kapit area.
“From Kapit Town, we will proceed with the plan to build more roads to major settlements in upper Kapit.
“So, with the completion of the Mujong Bridge, which the Chief Minister will officiate this Monday (Oct 5), Kapit will be better connected in the very near future,” he added. — DayakDaily
