By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Jan 26: The Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has approved an allocation of RM76 million to construct a road connecting Simalatong in Ulu Gedong to Gedong.
Announcing this last night in Gedong at an appreciation dinner, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the road is included in development plans for Gedong and will be implemented in the next five years.
“This is a big plan and (requires) big spending as well. Although the amount is huge, we do not want to do things half-halfheartedly or just for the sake of doing it to make people happy.
“We will do it properly. When it is done that way, the road will not only open up (the area) for agricultural and other activities in Gedong, but it will benefit other areas such as Simunjan, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Lingga, Asajaya and Samarahan,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also the Gedong assemblyman added that a special development laboratory involving senior government administrative officers has also been set up, mainly to set the direction to develop the western region of the State.
He also highlighted that among ways to improve the western region is to build a coastal road, which he asserts will change the livelihood of the region’s residents.
“People ask, will coastal roads change the lives of our people here? Yes, it definitely will because infrastructure for rural areas is crucial not only for spurring economic development, but also connectivity for rural communities,” Abang Johari said.
He added that Lingga will be further developed, especially in Banting which has been tagged as a paddy cultivation area,while Lubok Punggor’s infrastructure will be improved for the same purpose. — DayakDaily
