By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 2: Local residents staying along the road stretch from Long Banga up to Pa’lungan are disappointed over the lack of progress in maintaining it, claims PKR Baram.
In a press conference today, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Baram committee member William Bala said the residents are still waiting after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a RM3 million allocation for this purpose in July this year, but until now, no funds have been given.
“They (villagers) have claimed that there was no properly appointed contractor to carry out the maintainance works for the road.
“People have been doing ‘gotong-royong’ along Long Banga to Pa’lungan everytime the road is cut off due to ‘landas’ (monsoon) season, and sometimes we have to get help from Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala.
“How long must we maintain the road on our own?,” William asked.
The distance between Long Banga to Bario is about 90km, while from Bario to Pa’lungan is about 12km.
Also present was PKR Baram chairman Roland Engan.
“We urge for immeidate measures to be taken to help the village folks to repair the road. While the government takes the time to upgrade the road, logging and quarry companies should step up and show their corporate social responsibility,” he opined.
