The state government is urged to speed up its effort to provide motorable connectivity to rural areas.

Dennis Ngau (GPS-Telang Usan) made the call when delivering his maiden speech during the motion of appreciation to the Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Monday.

According to him, there are approximately 2000 kilometres of earth roads built by logging companies in the Telang Usan district. since logging licences were issued in Baram.

“They were for their operations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the local community in the operating areas. While they are around, any damage to thie fragile earth roads is timely repaired by the companies.

“However, with the recent introduction of the Forest Management Unit (FMU) and new guidelines for logging activities, the companies are now downsizing their operations.

“Some companies have to leave their operation centres, thus most of the logging roads now unattended. As I am speaking, my folk at Long Bangan are struggling to repair log bridges along the road connecting them to the outside world,” he said.

Dennis added that when they contacted the government agencies, they were told that the agencies had no funds
Dennis proposed that the Sarawak government create a Public Works Department (JKR) unit for the rural areas which could be stationed in Baram or any areas which needed the same service.

“For Baram, place a unit each at Long Lama, Beluru town and Long Banga Ulu Baram. A unit only needs basic equipment such as tractors, excavators, trucks and other facilities. Call this set up the emergency response team,” he said.

As an alternative, Dennis said the government could ‘park’ an amount of around RM3 million each for 2022 to the Telang Usan district office, Beluru District Office and Bario District Office.

“This fund will be used to engage a local company with equipment to do immediate repair work as and when there is a request from the people’s representatives,” he said.