By DayakDaily Team
BELAGA, June 27: A new bridge and a 1.37-kilometre upgraded concrete road linking the communities of Long Wat and Long Malim completed in late April this year are now accessible to the public.
The construction of the project by the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) began in October 2019 and was finished on schedule.
According to URDA regional director Joseph Belayong, the project included a two-lane single carriageway reinforced concrete bridge spanning 69.6 metres across Sungai Lekasi in three spans, as well as upgrading of a 1.23km existing access road and 0.15km of spur road to Long Malim and Long Wat to an R1 modified standard.
Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed concrete road and bridge last month.
During his opening address, Chukpai conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the funding allocated to upgrade the timber road (Phase 1) through URDA and Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) as the implementing agency.
“The upgraded road infrastructure has not only improved transportation efficiency but also created new opportunities for economic growth and development in our rural region.
“The improvements have had significant positive impact on the local community, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for rural residents in the area. The benefits of this initiative have been felt by all members of the community, and we are truly appreciative of the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure in rural areas,” he said in a statement recently.
Chukpai emphasised that investments in upgrading rural road infrastructure are essential in enabling socio-economic development and bringing prosperity to rural communities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also coincided with Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak’s ground-breaking ceremony for a new construction project in the area, which promises to bring even more development and convenience for local communities. — DayakDaily
