MIRI: Once completed, the proposed Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu (Kuala Melinau) and Long Panai-Long Lama road project will provide safe and reliable connectivity to the longhouses in the Tutoh-Baram area and open up the area for greater economic activities for the benefit of the Baram communities.
Highland Development Agency (HDA) deputy chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala said this in his closing remarks at the closing of the two-day value assessment lab for the proposed road project here today (Mar 23).
“This project is a special project for the Baram-Tutoh area approved by the Chief Minister as part of the overall road connectivity network for the state.
“It is over and on top of the RM1.5 billion allocation for HDA to implement 52 infrastructure projects in Baram, which has never received so much development allocation from the government in the past,” he said.
Gerawat added that all the projects to be carried out under HDA, together with the other two development agencies under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) — Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) — with a total allocation of RM4.5 billion, was proof of the Sarawak government’s strategy and commitment to accelerate development in the rural areas.
He said the two-day lab was to ensure this proposed project could achieve the best outcome and optimum benefit for all stakeholders including the local community.
The proposed project, which is expected to start at the end of this year, will involve the construction of a 160.5km length of single carriageway.
The construction is expected to be completed by 2027, and will also involve nine major bridges and 14 minor bridges as well as one passenger terminal jetty.
Recoda is the implementing agency for the proposed project.
Also present at the two-day lab were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, and Recoda chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni.
