By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 23: Renowned Norwegian urban planning expert Dr Hans-Jacob Roald from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences is lending his expertise to strengthen the implementation of the Kapit Master Plan, a transformative blueprint aimed at shaping Kapit into a model of sustainable, inclusive, and well-planned development.
Roald’s visit to Kapit reflects the ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between Sarawak and Norway in the areas of sustainable urban development and regional planning.
He paid a courtesy call on Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also Kapit MP and the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) chairman, at the Kapit Resident’s Office today.
The visit sought to strengthen bilateral cooperation in line with the Sarawak government’s commitment to achieving balanced, inclusive, and sustainable progress, particularly in rural regions.
Nanta said this partnership follows the Sarawak delegation’s working visit to Oslo and Bergen earlier this year, led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development II and Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment.
“Among the key highlights of that visit was the Kapit Master Plan, which provides a comprehensive framework for guiding the future growth of Kapit in a sustainable and inclusive manner,” he said in a post shared on his social media.
The Kapit Master Plan, spearheaded by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) in collaboration with the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), aligns with the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises sustainability, inclusivity, and balanced regional growth.
Located in central Sarawak with a population exceeding 60,000, Kapit has undergone rapid development following the completion of the Sibu–Kapit Road. However, the growth has also brought challenges such as congestion, limited urban space, and increasing demand for better infrastructure and public facilities.
“To address these challenges, the Kapit Master Plan envisions transforming Kapit into a well-planned and sustainable town, focusing on enhanced mobility, high-quality public spaces, modern community amenities, and the preservation of its unique cultural identity,” Nanta explained.
During his visit, Roald toured several key project sites, including the upgrading of Jalan Bleteh, construction of Jalan Bukit Goram–Nanga Yong, and redevelopment of the former Kapit Airport area, to assess the opportunities and challenges on the ground.
Nanta expressed confidence that Roald’s expertise in urban planning and sustainable development will play a crucial role in ensuring the Kapit Master Plan meets international best practices while addressing local needs and aspirations.
“On behalf of the Sarawak government and URDA, I extend my deepest appreciation for his valuable insights and collaboration, which will further strengthen the long-standing partnership between Sarawak and Norway towards achieving sustainable and balanced development in the Upper Rajang region,” he said. — DayakDaily
