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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 1: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) is in the final stage of identifying the last-mile road network, with about 5,000 kilometres of roads required to be built, to link the whole of Sarawak, leaving no village or longhouse behind.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that the Sarawak government aims to complete this ambitious project by 2030 as part of its vision to transform Sarawak into a high-income region.
“We are in the final stage of finalising the last-mile connection to various villages and longhouses. We estimate that there is about 5,000km of road to be built.
“We hope this can be done by 2030 because we aim to become a high-income region by then,” he told reporters when met at the Gawai Dayak open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Uggah, who is also MIPD Minister, pointed out that this needed to be done to ensure that the people of Sarawak, especially those living in rural and remote areas, benefit from essential infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply and more.
“The Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has lamented the traffic congestion in rural areas as a positive indication of the trickle-down effect of development projects reaching the people.
“This is crucial as social inclusivity is one of the key pillars of our Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) towards 2030. We must ensure that infrastructure, economy, health, and education sectors benefit all Sarawakians, regardless of their geographical location,” he added.
Uggah, who hosted the Gawai Dayak open house with 16 Dayak State and Federal leaders, highlighted that this event served as a platform for leaders to connect with the local community, further solidifying the unity and commitment to progress.
“We are very happy to see our multiracial community joining us in this celebration. This is the asset of Sarawak.
“This bring us together as united Sarawakians. In Sarawak, we are proud of the unity and harmony between our diverse communities. This racial harmony must continue to be nurtured because it is key to where Sarawak is today,” he said.
With unity as strength and full support from the people for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Uggah added that it will enable the government to implement and fulfill programmes and development effectively to ensure Sarawak become a high income region by 2030.
Officiated by Abang Johari, the Gawai Dayak open house was a spectacular gathering which drew thousands of visitors. Held in celebration of the Dayak community’s rich cultural heritage, the event offered an array of sumptuous delicacies amd captivating cultural performances.
Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian as well as other Sarawak Cabinet members were among those present. — DayakDaily
