By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 21: Proposals for the construction of several alternative roads linking the Kota Samarahan administrative centre to Jalan Meranek area are being actively considered amid growing concerns over a potential surge in traffic volume following the upcoming opening of the new SMK Sri Samarahan.
The matter was highlighted during a Project Coordination Meeting for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) today held at the Public Works Department (JKR) Samarahan, chaired by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang.
The meeting brought together the JKR Samarahan, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, and a representative from the N16 Muara Tuang constituency to review the current progress of the KUTS Blue Line Package 1 project in Kota Samarahan, which is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
In a post shared on its social media, JKR Sarawak stated that discussions focused on project implementation progress, ongoing issues, and enhancement measures to ensure smoother execution of works.
Among key concerns raised was the worsening traffic congestion in Kota Samarahan, particularly along major routes affected by construction activities.
Rubiah stressed the need for Sarawak Metro to strengthen traffic management planning and implement more effective flow control measures to ease congestion experienced by road users.
She also emphasised that the proposed alternative road network connecting the administrative centre to Jalan Meranek is crucial in reducing pressure on the Entingan Roundabout, a key junction linking traffic towards Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and surrounding residential areas.
She further warned that traffic conditions could deteriorate significantly once SMK Sri Samarahan begins operations, if early mitigation measures are not put in place.
As such, she called on JKR Sarawak to closely examine and expedite the feasibility of the proposed alternative routes to ensure improved connectivity, safety, and long-term traffic efficiency in the area.
Rubiah also expressed appreciation to both JKR and Sarawak Metro for their continued commitment in implementing the KUTS project, which she said is vital for the region’s urban development and public mobility needs.
She expressed hope that continued collaboration among all stakeholders will further strengthen infrastructure development efforts in Kota Samarahan, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term benefits for the local community. — DayakDaily
