By Emily Ruran
GEDONG, Jan 5: A dedicated task force has been put in place to oversee several major road projects in the constituency, involving a total development value of RM2.8 billion.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the committee was formed to strengthen coordination and monitoring as work progresses on three key infrastructure projects in the area.
He said the task force, led by Infrastructure Development Deputy Minister Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, would oversee the Serian–Gedong–Samarahan Highway, the upgrading of the existing Jalan Gedong–Simunjan, as well as the proposed Jalan Gedong–Semalatong.
“The Public Works Department (JKR) and the Ministry for Infrastructure and Port Development are closely monitoring the project to ensure it is completed on time, as expected by the Premier.
“Today, we decided to form a special task force committee, which has been directed to hold monthly meetings to oversee the project’s progress and submit reports to me every two months.
“This reflects our working philosophy, where ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, directors and their teams regularly go on the ground to monitor projects and resolve any issues that arise,” he said.
Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, was speaking to reporters during a visit to the Serian–Gedong–Samarahan Highway project site here today.
The Serian–Gedong–Samarahan Highway will be constructed as a dual carriageway across five sections, spanning 45.65 kilometres, with an estimated cost of RM1.88 billion.
The alignment towards Gedong has been planned to allow for future facilities, including an Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) lane, bicycle tracks, a utility corridor and bridges.
Meanwhile, the upgrading of the existing Jalan Gedong–Simunjan will be implemented in two packages, covering 20.6 kilometres at an estimated cost of RM556.33 million.
Another proposed project, Jalan Gedong–Semalatong, will be carried out in three packages, with a combined length of 57.45 kilometres and an estimated cost of RM378.81 million. — DayakDaily
